Telecom Bill is a watershed moment in the telecom reform process: Vodafone

Reactions are coming in for the Telecom Bill, which was tabled in Parliament yesterday (December 18, 2023). According to Akshaya Moondra, CEO, Vodafone Idea Ltd, “The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, tabled in the Parliament, represents a watershed moment in the telecom reform process and reaffirms the commitment of the Government to provide Indian telecom with a future-fit framework that helps achieve the growth aspirations of new India.”

Moondra further said that the Bill carries several forward-looking provisions that will help deliver the benefits of digital connectivity to all Indian citizens. “We warmly welcome the rationalisation of penalties and the legal enforceability of right of way provisions, a long-standing request of the industry,” he added.

Security of telecom networks is paramount, Moondra stressed, adding that the Bill recognises telecom as critical infrastructure and prescribes punitive consequences for those who damage it.

“By highlighting the duties of users, the Bill puts equal responsibility on consumers to meet the requirements of national security,” he added.