DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PM Modi summons telecom secretary over website takedowns, sources say
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office has summoned Telecom Secretary Amit Agrawal in response to concerns regarding fraudulent court orders. These orders, which improperly called for the blocking of 129 betting websites, have prompted the telecoms ministry to launch an internal investigation, while local police are probing potential forgery.
Vi seeks DoT nod to retain expiring 4G spectrum
Vodafone Idea has approached the Department of Telecommunications to secure the renewal of its expiring 4G spectrum. The company is seeking to maintain service continuity as significant portions of its spectrum are due for renewal. Valued discussions are ongoing regarding a financing package with lenders to support network investments. As of now, Vodafone Idea's subscriber base includes 194.4 million individuals with a substantial number using 4G services.
India blocked 129 betting websites on basis of fake high court orders: Report
India's government ordered internet providers to block 129 betting websites based on fraudulent high court orders. Investigations have been initiated after it was revealed that these court orders were fake. The Rajasthan and Allahabad High Courts confirmed that the supposed orders did not exist in their records. Concerns about the authenticity of legal documents are growing due to technology advancements.
Govt lines up Rs 9,000 crore asset monetisation plan in FY28 to clear MTNL, BSNL liabilities
The Indian government is preparing an asset monetisation plan to address the liabilities of MTNL and BSNL. This plan is expected to generate Rs 9,000 crore in the next financial year. Government officials report that the liabilities of these telecom public sector undertakings are nearly Rs 50,000 crore. Additionally, several properties among the departments have been sorted for ownership clarity.
CBDT issues new clarification on BSNL-MTNL VRS-2019 compensation: Will it affect retirees' income tax benefits?
The CBDT issued a notification clarifying that ex-gratia compensation for BSNL and MTNL VRS-2019 is not retrenchment compensation. This compensation is governed by Section 10(10C) of the Income-tax Act, allowing tax exemptions under certain conditions. Employees must review their tax claims to ensure compliance with this clarification. Compensation exceeding five lakh rupees will remain taxable as salary income.
ETtech Explainer: Why SIM-binding is a concern for consumers and businesses
A new study raises alarms about the Department of Telecommunications' proposed SIM-binding requirement for messaging applications. The mandate could severely disrupt operations for consumers and businesses alike, especially impacting international travelers who depend on local SIMs or Wi-Fi. Businesses are bracing for heightened costs and difficulties tied to limited device accessibility.
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Centre to launch biggest-ever digital life certificate campaign across 2,000 cities from November 1
A nationwide Digital Life Certificate campaign is scheduled to begin across 2,000 locations in India. This campaign aims to simplify the process of submitting life certificates for pensioners by adopting digital methods. The initiative will use face authentication technology to facilitate easy access for elderly pensioners. Various government departments and organizations will work together to ensure effective outreach.
COAI seeks rationalised pricing for microwave backhaul spectrum
The Cellular Operators Association of India emphasizes the need for early implementation of TRAI's spectrum charge recommendations. This follows the Department of Telecommunications retaining the existing pricing framework despite previous recommendations for reductions. COAI points out that the current structure poses a significant burden on operators' costs. As demand for microwave backhaul is expected to grow substantially, predictable charges are essential.
WhatsApp, Telegram must be tied to an active SIM from Jan 1: DoT issues guidelines
The Department of Telecommunications has issued guidelines for messaging apps to link accounts to active SIM cards. Users will need to ensure registered numbers are connected to active SIM cards by January 1, 2027. This measure aims to reduce cyber fraud and misuse of mobile numbers in India. Messaging apps must comply with these rules or risk suspension of functionality.
WhatsApp and Telegram to stop working for these user from Jan 1: Govt announces new rule. What you should know
WhatsApp New Rule: WhatsApp and Telegram users may face account restrictions from January 1, 2027, under the government's proposed SIM-binding rules. Here's how the requirements could affect users who remove their registered SIM cards, use secondary devices or rely on eSIMs.
Elon Musk's Starlink responds to Reliance, says ‘ready to connect India’ with high-speed internet
Starlink has said it is ready to provide high-speed internet services in India, asserting that it has spent over five years working with regulators, industry and operators and built dedicated infrastructure with the requisite government approvals. The Elon Musk-led company made the statement while tagging Reliance Industries' post on competition in satellite communications.
Will Ambani's all-fresh Jio sale prove to be a masterstroke for investors?
Reliance Jio is set to roll out an ambitious Rs 30,213 crore IPO featuring solely new equity shares, not existing ones. In light of mixed results from recent Indian IPOs, this move aims to cut down Jio's debt while bolstering its financial standing. The company's IPO, valued at Rs 10.
DoT mandates telecom operators to display KYC-registered names for incoming calls starting November 1
The Department of Telecommunications mandates telecom operators to show KYC-registered names with incoming calls from November 1. This initiative aims to reduce cyber fraud, phishing, and unwanted commercial calls. The amendment to Caller Line Identification will officially include Caller Name Identification for subscriber convenience. Trials and consultations informed the decision, involving both operators and civil society groups.
No more unknown numbers: Caller ID to include callers’ registered names from November 1 under new DoT rules
The Department of Telecommunications in India has amended caller identification regulations for telecom services. Caller IDs will now display the subscriber's registered name from November 1, 2026. This updated definition of Calling Line Identification includes the caller's name in telecom provider records.
‘India allows no monopoly’: Scindia responds to Musk’s Starlink row, says 3 firms await clearances; takes dig at Congress
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded to Elon Musk's allegations regarding Starlink's delayed launch in India. He emphasized that India does not permit monopolies in any sector and highlighted the government's clarity on satellite communication licenses. Scindia noted that all three licensed companies are at the same regulatory stage pending security clearances.
India Mobile Congress 2026 concludes with focus on agricultural AI, 5G automation and last-mile connectivity
Held over four days under the theme 'Scale Without Boundaries', the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and technology developers to discuss applications of emerging technologies and their role in driving inclusive digital growth.
Elon Musk says India blocking Starlink, Rahul Gandhi responds: UPSC coach fact checks and explains why India shall not bend to bullying, says US also blocked Chinese BYD
Elon Musk has accused influential business interests of blocking Starlink's entry into India, prompting a response from Rahul Gandhi. UPSC educator Shekhar Dutt has fact checked the allegation. He said that India should prioritise national security and make its own decisions on satellite internet approvals.
Microscan plans Rs 350 crore subsea cable landing station in Alibaug
Microscan plans to invest about ₹350 crore in a subsea cable landing station in Alibaug near Mumbai to serve hyperscalers, telecom carriers and cable owners.
From Landlines to 6G: How India’s Telecom Revolution Transformed Connectivity
India's telecommunication sector has evolved from a sparse network of landlines to a robust mobile connectivity framework, embracing technologies like 2G, 3G, and 4G, culminating in the recent rollout of 5G. As the nation gears up for 6G, it aims to enhance the global digital landscape while improving the daily online experiences of its citizens.
Starlink, OneWeb and Jio: Where India’s satellite internet race stands
India’s satellite internet sector is on the cusp of commercial launches as key players seek the last stages of approval. Companies like Starlink, OneWeb, and Reliance Jio have secured GMPCS licenses but still await spectrum allocations and regulatory nods. OneWeb is set to launch immediately after receiving the missing spectrum, while Jio envisions a robust satellite network for the future.
TCIL pays Rs 43.86 crore dividend to government for FY26; profit after tax at Rs 146 crore
Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd has paid a dividend of Rs 43.86 crore to the Government of India. This payment follows an operating revenue of Rs 3,335 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 146 crore. Over five years, the company's revenue has significantly increased from Rs 1,596 crore in FY 2021-22 to Rs 3,442 crore in FY 2025-26.
India Mobile Congress turns 10, and the 2026 Edition lands in Delhi this October
India Mobile Congress 2026 is on from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The Department of Telecommunications runs it with COAI. This is the tenth edition. "Scale Without Boundaries" is the theme, and the organisers are working with a footfall estimate north of 150,000 over the four days.
IMC 2026 to put DeepTech at centre of startup programme ASPIRE
India Mobile Congress 2026 will take place from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. The event will emphasise DeepTech and frontier technologies to support startups advancing from prototype to market. Over 500 startups and 300 venture capital firms are expected to participate, fostering connections through one-on-one meetings.
STL Networks shares jump 5% after emerging as L1 bidder for RailTel contract worth Rs 250 crore
STL Networks shares rose 5% after emerging as the lowest bidder for a Rs 249.8 crore RailTel contract to deploy cloud infrastructure at data centre and disaster recovery sites. The company is also planning a wholly owned subsidiary focused on data centres and connectivity. Its stock has gained sharply in recent months.
India Mobile Congress 2026 launches 'Viksit Tech 47' platform to build Indian technology brands for global markets
India Mobile Congress 2026 has introduced Viksit Tech 47 to aid Indian technology firms in achieving global prominence. This platform aims to support companies in several technology sectors, including artificial intelligence and IoT. A flagship report assessing over 200 Indian tech companies will be released at the event. Viksit Tech 47 will also implement the Dr Zarabi Indigenisation Award for startups in hardware development.
Government dissolves 37-year-old Digital Communications Commission with immediate effect
The government has notified the dissolution of the Digital Communications Commission, the Department of Telecommunications' apex decision-making body established in 1989. The commission handled key telecom policy and financial matters, including spectrum pricing and Trai recommendations. Its last meeting on September 3 finalised the satcom spectrum decision, which now awaits Cabinet approval.
24 companies propose Rs 5,500 crore investment for Asia's first telecom manufacturing zone in Gwalior: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Gwalior is set to establish Asia's first dedicated Telecom Manufacturing Zone. This ambitious project will attract approximately ₹5,500 crore in investment. Over 18,000 direct employment opportunities are expected to be generated. The zone will house 24-25 telecom manufacturing units and related components. This initiative aims to transform Gwalior into a major telecom manufacturing hub.
Satcom to play key complementary role in reaching remote areas: TRAI Chairman
India is set to enhance connectivity in its challenging and remote areas through satellite communications. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised the government on allocating spectrum for broadband services. Companies like Starlink and OneWeb are waiting for essential approvals. TRAI has proposed a spectrum charge of four percent of annual revenues while advocating for subsidies on user terminals to encourage rural adoption.
Fix the delay in family pension for widows, says central government pensioners' body; seeks 6 months’ provisional payment
Bharat Pensioner Samaj has urged for the introduction of provisional family pensions for grieving spouses. This measure aims to alleviate financial strain during the often lengthy process of securing regular pensions. While the current policy permits the issuance of family pensions within a month, the reality of mourning times and paperwork delays often extends this timeline.
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