Industry groups demand a review of the draft Telecom Bill

"Although we respect the objective of developing a future-ready framework, the addition of communication services in this definition will hinder the next advancements taking place in smart IoT devices."

Multiple industry organisations have stated in joint statement that the draught Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022 is overboard and will impose a insignificant licensing cost, harm cross-border digital trade, impede India's economic progress, and restrict innovation.

By mandating OTT communication services like Whatsapp, Signal and email providers like Gmail to perform KYC (know your customer) on their customers, the draft bill which is out for public comment until Thursday, aims to broaden the definition of telecom services.

In a joint statement issued by the Asia Internet Coalition, Computer and Communications Industry Association, App Association, India Cellular and Electronics Association, Information Technology Industry Council, and other international organisations representing the technology and content industries called for a more precise definition of telecom services and devices.

The joint statement released on Thursday said," although we respect the objective of developing a future-ready framework, the addition of communication services in this definition will hinder the next advancements taking place in smart IoT devices."

Additionally it suggested that since the electronics and IT ministry currently regulates consumer equipment and software, they be left out of the definition of telecommunications equipment.

The statement added, "Implementing additional restrictions on these devices will impose a significant compliance burden, resulting in impediments to innovation and faster technology adoption, hurting a rapidly expanding and emerging sector."

Given the draft bill's broad consequences, industry stakeholders appealed for additional thought and consideration.