At the outset, we would like to congratulate the Department of Communications, Government of India, on the consultation paper on ‘Need for a new legal framework governing Telecommunication in India’. The paper adopts a forward-looking approach with a key focus on simplifying the regulatory framework and reforming right of way and spectrum management. Further, the reforms suggested for the Universal Service Obligations Fund are also commendable. Previously, The Dialogue authored a paper in collaboration with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in 2021, titled “Enabling a Trillion Dollar Digital Economy: Interdependent, Interconnected and Digital”. The report delved into the issues and challenges in the telecom sector and provided recommendations. Taking inferences from this study and other related work, in this document, we submit our comments to the consultation paper on the “Need for a new legal framework governing Telecommunication in India” floated by the Department of Telecommunications. Our comments in this document are mapped across the different sub-headings discussed in the consultation paper.
Response drafted by: Ayush Tripathi, Kamesh Shekar and Bhavya Birla
