The amendments include rationalization of fees, introduction of a single window clearance system and removing the need for consent from a government authority to set up infrastructure on private property.
The amendments include rationalization of fees, introduction of a single window clearance system and removing the need for consent from a government authority to set up infrastructure on private property.
The Telecom Ministry on Monday announced amendments to the Right of Way Rules, a move that is expected to accelerate the upgradation and expansion of telecom networks, including 5G.
The amendments include rationalization of tariffs, introduction of a single window clearance system and removing the need for consent from a government authority to set up infrastructure on private property.
Announcing the amendments to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (ROW) Rules, 2016, Communications, IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that these amendments will pave the way for deployment of 5G small cells on the existing road infrastructure and these reforms With this, the country was now ready to start 5G services by October.
As per the amended rules, telecom licensees can enter into agreements with private property owners and they will not require any permission from any government authority to set up telecom infrastructure such as towers, poles or optical fibres.
In addition, no administrative fee will be charged for installation of poles on land owned/controlled by the Central Government. For States/UTs, this fee will be limited to ₹1,000 per pole. The charges for laying overground optical fiber will be limited to ₹1,000/km.
“Telecom licensees were to submit ROW applications on various platforms of the State/UT. The modifications provide a single window clearance system for ROW applications. The Gati Shakti Sanchar portal of the Ministry of Communications will be a single window portal for all RoW applications related to telecommunications,” the ministry said.
In addition, to facilitate faster 5G roll-out, the ROW application procedures have been simplified for small cells and telecom licensees will be able to deploy telecom equipment at a cost of ₹150/year and ₹300/year in rural areas. to be able to utilize the street infrastructure. in urban areas.
Welcoming the move, SP Kochhar, Director General, telecom industry body COAI said, “As the country prepares to witness 5G technology, the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2022 will ensure that its rapid roll-out. Make the dream of technology and 5G enabled India come true. Access to existing infrastructure, deployment of new infrastructure, and the high costs involved were always major challenges facing the telecom sector, which will now be mitigated.