New Delhi:
The new Telecom Act 2023 comes into effect from June 26, introducing several significant changes.
Key sections of the Act, including 1, 2, 10-30, 42-44, 46, 47, and 50-62, are now enforceable.
This Act replaces older laws such as the Indian Telegraph Act (1885) and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act (1933).
Government Control and Emergency Measures
Under the new Act, the government gains authority to take control of telecom services and networks during emergencies or for reasons of security, public order,
or crime prevention. Strict regulations regarding SIM cards are also outlined in the Act.
Key Provisions of the Telecom Act
Regulation of SIM Cards
The Act includes stringent measures to combat SIM card fraud.
Possessing more than 9 SIM cards on one identity card incurs a fine of Rs 50,000, and repeat offenses can lead to fines up to Rs 2 lakh.
Biometric data is mandatory for SIM issuance,
and penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment or fines up to Rs 50 lakh are imposed for the sale or use of fake SIM cards.
National Security and Data Protection
Telecom companies must procure equipment only from government-approved sources to safeguard national security.
Unauthorized access, call tapping, or data interception without consent are punishable offenses, carrying penalties of up to 3 years’ imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 crore.
DND Service and User Rights
Do-Not-Disturb Option
Users have the right to opt for the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service, with telecom companies obligated to respect user preferences regarding promotional messages.
Complaints about unsolicited calls are now actionable under the new regulations.
This structured approach maintains clarity while highlighting the essential aspects of the Telecom Act 2023.
If you need further adjustments or additional information, feel free to let me know!
