Telecom Bill to Provide Roadmap for Industry Restructuring, Innovation, Says IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Telecommunication Bill 2022 may need over-the-top players like WhatsApp, Zoom and Google Duo to obtain licences to operate in the country.
The new telecom bill, according to telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will outline a clear path for industry reorganisation and encourage innovation.
Speaking at a Public Affairs Forum of India event, the minister predicted that in the next 1.5 to 2 years, the government should be able to completely overhaul the entire digital regulatory framework, which aims to strike a balance between societal goals, individual rights and responsibilities, and a framework independent of technology.
"Industry does experience several stages. Because of several variables, including changing corporate environments, technological advancements, and others. It is necessary to restructure. How can you include that in the legislation so the sector has a very clear road map? These are the issues that must be resolved if restructuring is necessary. These are the things that are within my rights, thus this measure has a very specific framework, according to Vaishnaw.
The Prime Minister has given the telecom ministry the goal that India's digital legal structure regulatory framework should be internationally benchmarked, he claimed, adding that the digital world requires a comprehensive set of laws.
"That doesn't suggest that we blindly mimic everything that the rest of the world does well. This means that our goal must be to develop a digital legal system that the rest of the world can examine. Although that's a really lofty goal, it is doable "explained Vaishnaw. The draught Telecommunication Bill 2022 states that in order to function in the nation, over-the-top players like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Duo, which offer calling and messaging services, may need licences.
OTT is listed as a type of communications service in the draught bill. The government has included a clause in the legislation that would exempt telecom and internet service providers from fines and taxes.
The ministry has also suggested a clause that would allow for a charge refund in the event that a telecom or internet provider surrenders his license.
According to Vaishnaw, the next 25 years will see inclusive growth with an emphasis on manufacturing, innovation, the simplification of norms, and changes to social infrastructure like education and health. Investment will serve as the main tool for this progress.
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