Rajya Sabha passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 on December 21.

It departs from the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950.

Bill's purpose is to amend and consolidate laws governing the telecommunication services

The Bill will revamp the existing licensing framework for telecom networks to an authorisation-based structure.

The Bill grants the government the authority to reclaim unused spectrum and introduces measures for sharing, trading, and leasing of spectrum.

Entities now have the option to surrender unused spectrum, but no government compensation.

The Bill also retains certain provisions from the Telegraph Act related to surveillance of telecommunications. 

However, concerns have been raised regarding infringements on user privacy.