The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to introduce a revised version of the Telecommunication Bill within a month’s duration. The revised bill is expected to address the concerns which are brought up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in regard to regulation of the content for “over the top” (OTT) applications and broadcasting services. Initially, the first draft of the Telecommunication Bill was issued by the DoT on 22nd September 2022.
The revised version is expected to clear up doubts in regard to the applications that are to be overseen by the DoT, along with clarifying the objective of regulation over communication apps which provide the same services as telecom operators. Broadcasting services, such as Community Radio Stations, DTH, Up-Linking and DownLinking Television Channels, IPTV Services, and FM Radio broadcasting through Private Agencies, have been mentioned by entities require licences to be issued in accordance with Schedule 2 of the drafted bill. The I&B Ministry has communicated its feedback on the draft along with the issues in regard to the telecom department.