The rule that will be effective from June 26 will allow the government to take over the control and management of any or all of any telecommunication services or network, in the interest of national security, friendly relations with foreign states, or in the event of war.
New provisions under the Telecommunications Act 2023 will become effective from June 26. The new telecom law will replace both the Indian Telegraph Act (1885) and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933. The new Act addresses significant technological advancements in the telecommunications sector.
“The Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), the Central Government hereby appoints the 26th Day of June 2024, as the date on which the provisions of sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61 and 62 of the said Act shall come into force,” the government notification said.
The rule that will be effective from June 26 will allow the government to take over the control and management of any or all of any telecommunication services or network, in the interest of national security, friendly relations with foreign states, or in the event of war.
The new law allows people to have maximum of nine SIM cards registered to their names. However, for those living in Jammu and Kashmir or in the Northeast, they can only have up to six SIM cards. A person who is found going beyond the maxium limit will face a fine of Rs 50,000 for the first-time breach and an even heftier Rs 2 lakh for subsequent violations.
Furthermore, if someone obtains a SIM card by deceiving others, using their identification documents, they could face a penalty of up to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to 50 lakh rupees, or both.
Commercial messages sent without the user's consent may lead to the relevant operator may face a hefty penalty of up to Rs 2 lakh and risk being banned from providing any services.
Moreover, the government is allowed to grant permission to telecom companies to install mobile towers or lay telecom cables on private properties. This can be done even if the landowner is against it, as long as the authorities believes it as a necessity.
In situations when nation’s security is at risk, or during emergency scenarios, another provision gives government the power to intercept telecom service to block and control transmissions of messages and call interactions.
Messages sent by journalists with state and Central accreditation for news purposes are exempt from surveillance.
However, the calls and messages of accredited journalists may be monitored and blocked if their news reports are seen as a potential threat to the country's security.
(With PTI inputs)
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 "New telecom law to come into effect from today; here’s all you need to know")
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