Telecom Bill 2023 extends to entire India, including offences outside country

It establishes a unified framework for spectrum assignment, network infrastructure rights, and user protection.

Who it concerns: The law applies to any person (including individuals, companies, or associations) intending to provide telecommunication services, establish or operate networks, or possess radio equipment. It also affects users of these services, property owners regarding right-of-way for networks, and the Central Government which holds the power to authorize and assign spectrum.

What the bill does

• Any person must obtain an authorisation from the Central Government to provide services, operate networks, or possess radio equipment.
• Spectrum is owned by the Central Government on behalf of the people and is assigned primarily through auction, except for specific entries listed in the First Schedule which use an administrative process.
• The Bill grants a 'Right of Way' for telecommunication networks on public property and other properties, subject to non-discriminatory and non-exclusive grants.
• A new body called the 'Digital Bharat Nidhi' is established, with sums credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
• A 'Regulatory sand box' is created for innovation and technology development.
• An Adjudicating Officer and a Designated Appeals Committee are established to handle contraventions and appeals.
• Civil court jurisdiction is barred for matters relating to specific breaches and contraventions defined in the Act.

Also in the document

• The Bill extends to the whole of India and to offences committed outside India by any person as provided in the Act.
• It includes provisions for public emergency, public safety, and national security measures.
• The Bill repeals certain older Acts (specifically mentioned in Chapter XI, Clause 60) and validates certain acts with indemnity.
• It creates specific offences and penalties for contraventions, including powers to search and supply of information to authorized officers.