Telecommunication bill focus on user protection, cybersecurity

The government is overhauling the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and related legislations to protect mobile networks from cyberattacks. The new Telecommunications Bill, 2023, imposes a penalty for unsolicited messaging and promotes satellite-based telephony. Over-the-top (OTT) players like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are excluded from the legislation. The bill focuses on licensing, spectrum, right of way, and dispute resolution. It also emphasizes efficient use of spectrum and the identification of users for selling SIM cards.