Telecom services suspension not exceed 15 days, must specify reason: Ministry
Ministry of Communications has said that any order for temporary suspension of telecom services should clearly state the reasons and define the geographical area where it will be implemented and the duration should not exceed 15 days.
Under the draft rules for temporary suspension of telecommunications services under the Telecommunications Act 2023 notified late Thursday, the order will only address the specific reason for which it has been issued.
Additionally, a copy of the suspension order should be forwarded to the concerned review committee within a period of 24 hours from the issuance of such order.
As per the rules, that may be called the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, the Union Home Secretary or the Secretary to the state government in-charge of the Home Department in the case of a State Government should be the competent authority to issue suspension order for telecommunication services.
In case of unavoidable circumstances, when it is not feasible for a suspension order to be issued by the competent authority, the order may be issued by an officer not below the rank of a joint secretary to the Central Government, who has been duly authorised by the competent authority. However, in such cases, the competent authority should confirm the suspension order within 24 hours, failing which the suspension order shall cease to exist.
The new rules would come into effect after 30 days and would replace Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety)
