Amendment in Right of Way Rules; to aid faster 5G roll-out
Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued amendments to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (RoW) Rules, 2016.
The new amendments are aimed at rapid expansion of telecommunication networks and ease of upgradation. In this way the overall quality of services is to be improved.
The RoW Rules, 2016 provide a framework for grant of approval and settlement of disputes in a time bound manner. In addition, they also stress on improving coordination between companies and the government.
Earlier in the year 2021 also these rules were modified. At that time amendments were made to adopt a uniform procedure for laying overground telegraph lines and to include provisions relating to compensation.
Salient features of the latest modifications-
- The RoW application procedures have been simplified for early launch of 5G service.
- Administrative charges have been rationalized to reduce the cost of compliance with the rules.
- Telecom licensees can enter into agreements with the owners of private property. For this they will not need permission from any government authority.
- Simultaneously, a new 5G RoW application has been launched on Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal for early launch of 5G service.
- In line with the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, this portal facilitates the smooth establishment of digital communication infrastructure across the country.
- This portal will be a single window portal for all telecom related RoW uses.
What is Right of Way (ROW)?
Telecom service providers use the right of way to build physical network infrastructure such as towers on land they do not own.
Source – The Hindu
