DoT aims to notify rules under Telecom Act soon
The rules relate to spectrum allotment, including satellite communications, interception of calls and messages as well as collection of biometric data, for which the processes need to be defined.
A key aspect is biometric identification of a user, which has been made mandatory under the Act. As per experts, the rules should clearly specify details so that customer data is not misused as multiple intermediaries may be involved in collection and processing of such sensitive information.
“Around 35-37 rules need to be defined for the Act. It is a mammoth task as rules need to be defined while factoring in the change in technology,” an official said.The rules will define modalities around spectrum pricing for administrative allocation to services like satellite communications, which is a sensitive and critical issue. The DoT is likely to seek inputs from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) regarding the satellite spectrum after taking views from the various stakeholders.As per government officials, spectrum allotted administratively for satellite services is meant only for point-to-point connection and not for direct transmission of services to retail consumers. The rules are expected to define the exact conditions for satellite spectrum usage. Companies like Eutelsat Oneweb, Starlink, Amazon Kuiper and Reliance Jio Satellite are to be given spectrum administratively as part of their global mobile personal communication by satellite services licences.
Another official said it may also be possible that the initial set of rules may not cover entire sections of the Act as some rules may take time to be finalised.
