Telecommunications Act 2023: Notification of new rules issued

Tele communications Act 2023: Telecommunications Act 2023: Notification of new rules issued, The Ministry of Communications on July 4 issued a notification proposing the draft Telecommunications (Digital India Fund) Rules, 2024. The notification said that these rules, developed under the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 26 and clause (x) of section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), are now open for public comments for the next 30 days. While the ministry invites comments from all stakeholders to ensure thorough consideration of the draft rules before finalizing them, the newly released document states that the rules will be known as the Telecommunications (Digital India Fund) Rules, 2024. These rules will replace Rule 523 and 527 of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951. However, existing agreements under those rules will remain valid till their expiry date. The key terms defined in these rules include “Act”, referring to the Telecommunications Act, 2023; “Administrator”, who is appointed by the Central Government; “Agreement”, which refers to the contract between the Administrator and DBN implementers; and “DBN” which means Digital India Fund.

The Administrator will have key responsibilities including the selection of Digital India Fund (DBN) implementers through tenders, applications or nominations. You will oversee the bidding process, enter into agreements, disburse funds, resolve disputes, monitor projects and maintain necessary records. Additionally, the Administrator may hire consultants and create a digital portal to facilitate DBN operations and interaction with stakeholders. DBN funds will be allocated to implementers to achieve objectives. This includes providing targeted access to telecom services to disadvantaged groups such as women, people with disabilities, as well as economically and socially vulnerable sectors. The Administrator will determine the modalities of financing on a case-by-case basis, which may include full or partial financing, co-financing and market risk mitigation.