It is now possible for you to obtain up to nine SIM cards. Obtaining SIM cards through dishonest means can also result in a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh and three years in prison. The new 'Telecommunication Act 2023' has gone into effect nationwide today, June 26, 2024.
To maintain national security, this law permits the government to assume control of, oversee, or halt any telecom service or network. The government will have the ability to intercept communications on the telecom network in the event of a conflict.
No Indian will be permitted to obtain more than nine SIM cards under the new regulations. On the other hand, residents of North-East states and Jammu and Kashmir will only be eligible for a maximum of six SIM cards. Obtaining additional SIM cards is subject to a fine of Rs 50,000 the first time and Rs 2 lakh each time after that.
Additionally, obtaining the consent of the customer is now required before sending marketing messages and advertisements for products and services. Additionally, it has been mentioned that the telecom provider must set up an online system where customers can file complaints.
Just 39 of the 62 provisions of the legislation are currently in effect.
The Telecom Bill was approved by the Rajya Sabha on December 21 and the Lok Sabha on December 20 of last year. President Draupadi Murmu's approval was then required for it to become a law. This law has 62 sections in total, but only 39 of them are currently being applied.
The Indian Telegraph Act, which has governed the telecom industry for 138 years, will be replaced by this law. In addition, this bill will supersede the 1933 Indian Wireless Telegraph Act. Moreover, it will modify the TRAI Act of 1997.
A provision in the bill for the administrative distribution of telecom spectrum will expedite the introduction of services. Foreign businesses like Starlink, owned by American businessman Elon Musk, will profit from the new bill. Jio might also experience losses as a result of this.
