SYLLABUS SECTION: GS III (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

WHY IN NEWS TELECOMMUNICATION?

The Department of Telecommunication has sought views on the need for overhauling laws governing the telecom sector, stressing on the need for a new legal framework which was clear, precise, and in tune with the changing times and technologies.

MORE DETAILS:

• The draft paper recognizes exclusive privilege of the Government to provide telecommunication services, establish and maintain telecommunication network and infrastructure.
• Simplification of the regulatory framework through adequate provisions to ensure regulatory certainty and promote investment.
• Regulatory clarity for spectrum allocation.
• At present, spectrum assignment is done through a combination of policies and court orders.
• Recently, the CAG report highlights gaps in spectrum allocations
• Effective Right of Way (legal right to pass along a specific route through property belonging to another) through a uniform, non-discriminatory framework to ensure continuity of connectivity.
• Overhaul the current Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) with the wider concept of a “Telecommunication Development Fund”
• Appropriate provisions for addressing situations of public emergency, public safety and for taking measures in the interests of national security.
• Framework for mergers, acquisitions, etc. and provisions pertaining to Insolvency as well as penalties.

Read more: UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES