Cabinet reportedly clears new telecom bill and postal services bill

The Union Cabinet has reportedly cleared the Draft Indian Telecommunications Bill.   The government had issued the new telecom bill called the Draft Indian Telecommunications Bill, 2022 in September last year where it proposed to increase the scope of telecommunication services by including over-the-top (OTT), internet-based and satellite-based communication services, broadcasting, internet and broadband services within its ambit. But this was been red flagged by social media and technology companies in the messaging space as it could lead to regulation of OTT communication apps. This bill is likely to address the issue of regulation of OTTs.

While the government has specified that it would engage in light-touch regulation, affected companies are continuing to oppose this proposal.  

“We have categorically maintained that we don't have any intent of having the licensing regime for OTTs. The focus is protecting the users, their safety and online trust. What needs to be done for that will be done," said a senior official.  

The official added that while the provisions of the bill were likely to cut across all sectors, the distribution about what would be dealt in the other bills that the government was coming up with, would be made clear by way of ‘carve outs’. 

The Cabinet is also learnt to have cleared the Postal Services Bill, 2023 dealing with the functioning of post offices in the country, which will replace the Indian Post Office Act of 1898. This bill is slated to be taken to Parliament for approval in the ongoing monsoon session. The bill seeks to replace three existing acts, namely the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.