Challenges ahead for policy on digital communications

Technology is changing and so is the way we live and communicate. As information and communications technology evolves, the policy and regulatory structure must also change, to enable people to access newer, emerging technologies. This is an important factor for sustained economic growth.

In tune with the above, India’s Department of Telecommunications recently released the Draft National Digital Communications Policy – 2018, to act as a guidance note for licensing and regulatory changes in the digital communications sector, so as to facilitate access to technologies and convergence.

The draft policy makes clear the requirement to improve terms and conditions for “other service providers”, and further suggests establishing a unified policy framework and spectrum management regime. It proposes to simplify the Guidelines for Mergers and Acquisitions, 2014, in the telecom sector, enable the fast-tracking of approvals and establish exit norms for licensees including alignment with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is India’s largest full-service law firm. Rahul Goel is a partner at the firm.