India: Signed Indian Telecommunications Bill 2023 including licensing requirements

On 24 December 2023, the Telecommunications Bill 2023, including licensing requirements, was signed into law by the Indian President. The Bill includes licensing requirements for entities that intend to provide telecommunications services, establish, operate, maintain, or expand telecommunications networks, or possess radio equipment. These entities must obtain a license from the central government. Any license, registration, or permission granted under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, shall continue to operate for the specified duration mentioned in the license. If no definite period of validity was given, the license is valid for 5 years. The Act will become effective on a date determined by the Central Government through an official notification in the Gazette. The government has the authority to appoint different dates for various provisions within the Act.