PRS
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Ministry of Communications
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Telecommunications Act: Spectrum Assignment Framework, Right of Way & Security Powers
Distilled Policy Brief
- Replaces the 138-year-old Indian Telegraph Act 1885 and Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933 with a consolidated digital infrastructure regime.
- Affirms administrative spectrum assignment for specified non-commercial and strategic uses (First Schedule) including satellite broadband, defence, and public transport.
- Establishes a uniform statutory Right of Way (RoW) framework on public and private lands to accelerate 5G fiberisation and telecommunication rollout.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Administrative spectrum allocation allowed for satellite broadband (GMPCS) in First Schedule; Digital Bharat Nidhi replaces Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Balancing national security interception provisions under Section 20 with privacy safeguards. Impact of non-auction satellite spectrum on telecommunications competition.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.
Forensic Anchor: Cabinet Allocation of Business Rules & NCAP Framework
Examiner Trap Takeaway: UPSC swapped Central Pollution Control Board role with State Pollution Control Boards for state-level monitoring.