Telecom Bill 2023: Government accepts TRAI's recommendations, government will take over network in case of emergency

The government has accepted the recommendations of the Telecom Bill 2023. The government has accepted the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on the "Next Generation Public Safety and Disaster Relief Communication Network" for seamless launch.

These would take control of any mission-critical voice, data, and video communications for smooth cross-agency communication and coordination among police, CAPF, Security, and Disaster Relief Agencies of different States/UTs. This information was given by the Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

It has also brought into force the provisions of sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61 and 62 of the Telecom Bill, 2023, which came into force from June 26 under which the government can take control of telecom services on grounds of security, public order or prevention of crimes, according to the notification.

According to the Act, in an emergency, any telecom company that wants to establish or operate a telecom network, provide services, or keep proportionate equipment will have to be authorized by the government.