Govt likely to table Telecommunications Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha on December 18

The government is expected to introduce the Telecommunications Bill 2023 in the Lok Sabha on December 18. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the Indian Telegraph Act, which has been in existence for 138 years and currently governs the telecommunications sector. The new bill is likely to address contemporary challenges and regulatory needs in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.

"The President has been informed about the Telecommunications Bill 2023. It is likely to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday, December 18," a source told news agency PTI. The Cabinet had approved the bill in August, and its introduction in the Lok Sabha marks a significant step toward modernising the regulatory framework governing the telecommunications sector in the country.

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The draft Telecommunications Bill of 2023 proposed bringing over-the-top (OTT) services, such as internet-based calling and messaging apps, under the definition of telecommunications to strengthen user safety. Additionally, the bill aimed to limit the authority of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), a move that raised concerns among industry players.