New Telecom Act: SIM Purchases to Call Recording, Major Changes Effective From Today, Violations Can Lead to Jail! Check

New Telecom Act: With the new Telecommunications Act of 2023 going into force from today, June 26, 2024, the telecom industry will see major changes. With regard to the creation, growth, and management of networks and services for telecommunications, as well as the distribution of spectrum, this act seeks to modernise and combine existing regulations. To keep up with the quick improvements in telecommunications technology, it replaces outdated laws such as the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933.

Key Provisions and Restrictions

Limit on Number of SIM Cards

A person is only permitted to own a maximum of nine SIM cards under the new regulations. However, people in the northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir, are only allowed to have six SIM cards. After June 26, exceeding these limitations will result in penalties of between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh. A first-time offender faces a punishment of Rs 50,000, while repeat offenders face a fine of Rs 2 lakh.

Penalty for Fraudulent SIM Card Acquisition

If found using someone else's identity documents to get a SIM card, the offender may be sentenced to three years in jail, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.

Regulations on Commercial Messages

There are serious consequences for sending commercial messages without the user's permission. Telecom providers that send out these kinds of unapproved messages risk fines of up to Rs 2 lakh and maybe even service prohibition.

Installation of Mobile Towers and Telecom Cables

Despite the objections of the landowner, the government is now allowed to permit telecom companies to install mobile towers or lay telecom cables on private properties. Government representatives believe that this is essential for the growth and upkeep of communications infrastructure.

National Security Measures

When there is a threat to national security or an emergency, the government has the authority to order telecom providers to intercept and restrict texts and calls. Messages passed on for news purposes by authorised journalists are not subject to monitoring. However, these journalists' calls and communications can still be tracked and restricted if the news stories endanger national security.

Punishments Under the New Provisions

1. Snooping on Messages and Calls: Three years imprisonment, a fine of Rs 2 crore, or both.
2. Possession of Illegal Wireless Equipment: Fine between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh.
3. Possession of Unauthorized Devices: Three years imprisonment, a fine of Rs 50 lakh, or both.
4. Violation of National Security Laws: Imprisonment for three years, a fine of Rs 2 crore, or both, with the potential ban of services/networks.
5. Causing Damage to Telecom Services: Fine up to Rs 50 lakh.

Stricter regulations that guarantee security and adherence to the most recent technology standards are introduced under the Telecommunications Act 2023. Everyone has to be made aware of these new regulations as well as the steep penalties for breaking them.