Context:

Recently, the Union Government, issued a Gazette Notification for enforcing some sections of Telecommunications Act, 2023.

More on the news

• Union Government issued a Gazette Notification recently for enforcing sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61 and 62 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• The sections related to the auction and allocation of spectrum, adjudication of certain contraventions, and amendments to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 are not covered under this notification and will not come into force this week.
• This Act focuses on user protection, reforms on the right of way for telecom network and infrastructure, and optimal spectrum utilization. 
• In line with PM Gati Shakti's vision, it provides for the Central Government to establish common ducts and cable corridors.
• It also mandates telecom operators use verifiable biometric identification (Aadhaar) for new SIMs/ connections.
• The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) will become Digital Bharat Nidhi under sections 24, 25, and 26, to fund research and development and pilot projects instead of just supporting the establishment of telecom services in rural areas.
  The sums of money received towards the Digital Bharat Nidhi under section 24, shall first be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.

The Telecommunications Act, 2023

• It was passed by the Parliament in December 2023, received the assent of the President of India on 24.2023 and was published in the official Gazette on 24.12.2023.
• It aims to amend and consolidate the law relating to the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum and matters connected therewith.
• It seeks to repeal existing legislative frameworks like the Indian Telegraph Act,1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, 1933.
• It is guided by the principles of Samavesh (Inclusion), Suraksha (Security), Vriddhi (Growth), and Tvarit (Responsiveness), the Act aims to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).