New Telecom Law: The new ‘Telecommunication Act 2023‘ has come into force in the country from June 26. Now no citizen of India will be able to get more than 9 SIM cards in a lifetime. If one buys more SIMs than this, then a fine will be imposed. Obtaining a SIM through illegal means will result in 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
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The new law allows the government to take over or suspend any telecom service or network and management for national security reasons. In a war-like situation, the government will be able to intercept messages on the telecom network if needed.
Under the new rule, no person in India will be able to get more than 9 SIM cards in his entire life. Whereas, people of Jammu Kashmir and North-East states will be able to get a maximum of 6 SIM cards. There is a provision of a fine of Rs 50,000 for the first time and Rs 2 lakh every time thereafter for getting more SIM cards.
New Telecom Law: Consent for Ads, Online Complaint System Mandatory
Under the new law , the consent of the consumer will Under the new law , the consent of the consumer will have to be taken before sending advertisements and promotional messages for goods and services. It also states that the company providing telecom services will have to create an online mechanism so that users can register their complaints online.
There are 62 sections in the new act, currently only 39 are applicable
The Telecommunication Act 2023 was passed in the Lok Sabha on 20 December last year and in the Rajya Sabha on 21 December. After that, it was converted into law after the approval of President Draupadi Murmu. There are a total of 62 sections in this law, out of which only 39 sections are being implemented right now.
This law will replace the 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act
This law will replace the 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act which controls the telecom sector. Apart from this, this bill will also replace The Indian Wireless Telegraph Act 1933. It will also amend the TRAI Act 1997.
Companies like Elon Musk’s Starlink will benefit
The bill has a provision for administrative allocation of telecom spectrum, which will speed up the launch of services. The new bill will benefit foreign companies like American businessman Elon Musk’s Starlink. At the same time, Jio may suffer losses due to this.
