The rules operationalise key provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and marks one of the most significant overhauls of India’s telecom regulatory architecture.
Key Highlights of Telecommunication Rules 2026
- Licence-to-Authorisation Shift: Replaces the legacy licensing regime under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 with a statutory unified authorisation framework for pan-India or circle-wise telecom, internet, and long-distance services.
- Maximum duration of authorisation: 20 years
- New Statutory Definitions: Formally defines critical infrastructure and operational terms, including access spectrum, captive non-public networks, cable landing stations, and core telecom networks.
- Security & Data Sovereignty: Mandates telecom operators to deploy AI and big data analytics for fraud prevention while enforcing strict adherence to domestic data localisation norms.
- Satellite coverage: Integrates satellite networks, earth stations, and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) providers under the authorisation system.
- Separate government approvals are still required for spectrum allocation and gateway permissions.
- Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) Clarity: Non-telecom revenues have been explicitly excluded from Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) calculations.
- Telecom e-Services Portal: Notified as official portal through which the new authorisation framework will be implemented digitally.
About The Telecommunications Act, 2023
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