Cabinet clears new telecom bill and postal services bill

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OTT), internet-based and satellite-based communication services, broadcasting, internet and broadband services within its ambit, which has been red flagged by social media and technology companies in the messaging space as it could lead to regulation of OTT communication apps. The bill is likely to address the issue of regulation of OTTs. While the government has specified that it would engage in light-touch regulation, affected companies are continuing to oppose this proposal.

“We have categorically maintained that we don't have any intent of having the licensing regime for OTTs. The focus is protecting the users, their safety and online trust. What needs to be done for that will be done," a senior official told Mint.

The official added that while the provisions of the bill were likely to cut across all sectors, the distribution about what would be dealt in the other bills that the government was coming up with, would be made clear by way of ‘carve outs’. The bill seeks to replace three existing acts, namely the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950. The bill which had proposed to curtail or dilute powers of Trai in its initial draft is likely to exclude those provisions in its final version.

The bill had proposed to delete provisions of the Trai Act that provide checks and balances via a consultation process between the regulator and the telecom department. “There's no impact on Trai's powers and whatever the regulator wanted, including appointment of their officials and other things is concerned, that will be considered," the official added. The bill that will equally focus on improving consumer protection from spam and fraudulent