The Indian government has announced the notification of additional sections of the Telecommunications Act 2023, focusing on the optimal utilisation of spectrum and the appointment criteria for the telecom regulator’s leadership.

The newly notified sections—6-8, 48, and 59(b)—come into effect immediately. These sections build on the provisions of the Act that became effective on June 26, which included sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61, and 62. The remaining provisions are expected to be notified within the next 180 days, The Economic Times reported.

A key highlight of the latest notification is the emphasis on increasing efficiency in spectrum utilisation through various methods, including secondary assignment, sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender of spectrum. The Ministry of Communications stated on Friday, “One major aspect that is being covered in the latest notification is the focus of the Central Government on increasing efficiency in spectrum utilization and various modes of achieving the same like secondary assignment, sharing/trading etc.”

The Telecommunications Act 2023 provides a comprehensive legal framework aimed at ensuring the efficient use of scarce spectrum resources. It supports the flexible, liberalised, and technologically neutral use of spectrum and empowers the Central Government to establish enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to this end.

Additionally, the Act prohibits the use of telecommunications-blocking equipment unless permitted by the Central Government. Section 59(b) specifically amends Section 4 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act 1997, outlining the criteria for appointing the Chairperson and members of TRAI.