Tax alert: The Telecommunications Bill, 2023 

22 December 2023
The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, has been passed in both Houses of Parliament, by the Lok Sabha on December 20, 2023, and by the Rajya Sabha on December 21, 2023. The Bill amends and consolidateslaws relating to the development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks. The Bill also attempts to regulate activities related to telecommunications and introduces changes to existing regulatory
mechanisms governing the sector, related to the authorisation of services network and equipment, assignment of spectrum, user protection, dispute resolution, penalties and adjudication of contraventions related to authorisation or assignment as granted under the Bill, among others.
The Bill repeals the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950 and the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, excluding the provisions of Part III for cases pertaining to laying down of transmission lines under section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003. It also amends the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997.