Convergence of Internet and Telecom: Assessing the Impact on Digital Ecosystem

In this study, we deep dive into the nuances of the Draft Bill and analyse it from the lens of the impact on the digital ecosystem. The first chapter gives an introduction to the study. The second chapter deals with the definition of telecommunication services under the Draft Bill and argues that it is broad and ambiguous. The third chapter provides perspective on how the internet and telecom services are fundamentally distinct in structural, technical and functional aspects.. The fourth chapter of this study deals with the impact of licensing regime on the startup ecosystem and how this bill, in its current form, will be a case of over and excessive regulation. The fifth chapter delves into the impact of this regulation on encrypted services. The sixth chapter delves into the network usage fee debate and its implication on the digital ecosystem. This chapter looks into other jurisdictions and how their regulations have panned out. Lastly, the seventh chapter takes a tour of other major jurisdictions and assesses how they treat the convergence of technologies.