Telecommunication Rules 2024, Provisions, Govt Initiatives

The Department of Telecommunications has recently released the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Rules 2024. These new rules have been released after Telecommunication rules 2023. 

Telecom Cybersecurity Rules Key Provisions

Aim: To enhance the security of India’s communication networks and services through measures such as defined timelines for telecom operators to report security incidents and disclosures.

1. Definition of Telecommunication Organisation:
   Telecommunication organisationincludes individuals who provide telecom services, or are involved in establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecom networks, including authorized organisations with proper authorisation.
2. Data Access to Union Government:
   The Telecom Cybersecurity Rules have empowered the central government to access traffic data and other non-content data from telecom organisations to ensure cybersecurity.
3. Cybersecurity Incident Reporting:
   Aa a mandate, telecom companies are compelled to report cybersecurity incidents to the government within six hours of detection, with additional details to follow within 24 hours.
4. Chief Telecommunications Security Officer:
   • Telecom operators should appoint a Chief Telecommunications Security Officer who has to be an Indian citizen and resident.
   • The officer will be responsible to implement the rules on behalf of the central government. 
5. Cybersecurity Policy Adoption:
   Telecom operators must implement a cybersecurity policy encompassing security safeguards, risk management, training, best practices, and advanced technologies.
6. IMEI Registration for International Equipment:
   Manufacturers of devices with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers have to register these numbers with the government before they start selling such devices manufactured in India.

Indian Telecom Sector 

India's telecom sector is the second largest industry globally, with a user base of 1.19 billion. The country's overall tele-density is 84.69%, with rural tele-density at 58.48% and urban tele-density at 131.86%.

Over the period, internet subscribers (narrowband + broadband) have exceeded 969 million, with 42% being from rural areas. Average monthly data consumption per wireless user has increased from 61.66 MB in March 2014 to 17.36 GB in March 2023.

The sector's exponential growth has been due to the following reasons:

• Affordable tariffs
• Wider network availability
• Expansion of Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
• Increasing 3G and 4G coverage
• Shifting consumption patterns
• Government initiatives to boost domestic telecom manufacturing
• A favorable regulatory framework

The Indian telecom sector is ranked 4th largest for FDI inflows, and contributes 6% of total FDI, while directly employing 2.2 million people and indirectly supporting 1.8 million jobs.

Government Initiatives to promote Telecommunication Laws

Following are the initiatives taken up by Government of India for promote Telecommunication Laws: 

• Digital India Programme (2015):

Digital India Programme focuses on transforming India into a digitally empowered society by providing broadband connectivity to all villages and e-governance promotion. 

• BharatNet:
  Bharat net isaiming to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural regions. 
• Infrastructure Development: 

Investments made in the telecom infrastructure including optical fiber networks, fiber networks and mobile towers to improve the quality of service and overall sector growth. 

• Atmanirbhar Bharat :
  Aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing of telecom equipment and components in order to reduce import dependence and strengthen the local telecom industry.
• Ease of Doing Business Reforms:
  Streamlined regulatory processes, reduced paperwork, and digital services have improved business conditions, attracting investments and fostering growth in the telecom sector.

Telecommunication Rules 2024 FAQs

Q1. What is the telecom policy 2024?

Ans. The Telecom Policy 2024 aims to boost domestic manufacturing and improve rural connectivity which enables 5G adoption.

Q2. What is the telecommunication Act 2024?

Ans. The Telecommunications Act 2024 has updated rules and regulations to address telecom challenges and strengthen cybersecurity measures.

Q3. What is telecom regulation 2024?

Ans. Telecom Regulation 2024 has updated rules and regulations related to spectrum allocation and data protection. 

Q4. What is the new telecom rule?

Ans. The new telecom rule allows faster reporting of cybersecurity incidents and promotes domestic usage.

Q5. What is the newest telecommunications Act?

Ans. The latest Telecommunications Act is the Telecommunications Act 2024, which addresses emerging technologies and services.

Q6. How many SIM companies are in India in 2024?

Ans. India has majorly three SIM companies in 2024- Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone-Idea.