New Delhi, June 28: The New Telecom Act 2023, which partially came into effect on June 26, strengthens protections for citizen privacy while safeguarding telecom networks, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said on Friday.

The Act replaces the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933. "#TelecomAct2023 strengthens protections for citizen privacy while safeguarding telecom networks," DoT wrote on X. "The new act borrows all provisions on interception & suspension from the previous act and adds provision to impose limits on such extraordinary measures to enhance the privacy of citizens," it added. Mobile Tariff Hike for Prepaid and Postpaid May Result in Rs 20,000 Crore Additional Operating Profits for Telecom Industry: Experts.

The new Telecommunications Act lays down standards for the manufacturing, import and sale of telecom equipment. It also lays down rules that safeguard telecom networks. It designates critical telecom infrastructure and mandates security upgrades and also regulates telecom service and equipment in the interest of public safety, public emergencies including disaster management, etc.

The Act also maintains uniform provisions of possession and monitoring as in the previous Act, DoT mentioned. Meanwhile, the DoT provided an update on the Uncovered Villages Project, which aims to enhance telecom connectivity in previously underserved areas. MSME TEAM Initiative: Indian Government Announces Initiative To Help Five Lakh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Onboard ONDC.

To date, 288 such villages have been provided internet coverage across border areas of eight states. The department had invested Rs 336.89 crore towards this project. It had installed 266 towers towards this end, according to DoT's X post.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2024 06:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).