Indian Telegraph, 5th Amendment, Rules,2021

## Report on the Indian Telegraph Fifth Amendment Rules, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Indian Telegraph Fifth Amendment Rules, 2021, as published in the Gazette of India on December 17, 2021. This amendment to the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, introduces a provision for Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) funding to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for hiring restoration of 10Gbps International Bandwidth for internet connectivity to Agartala from BSCCL, Bangladesh via Cox Bazar Kuakata, for a period of three years. This report details the specific changes, target audience, potential implementation aspects, and likely impact of the amendment. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview and analysis of the Indian Telegraph Fifth Amendment Rules, 2021, based solely on the provided government policy text. It aims to highlight the key changes introduced by the amendment and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document amends the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951. * Core Objective (Inferred): To improve internet connectivity in Agartala by providing financial support for international bandwidth. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment appears to address the need to improve internet connectivity in Agartala by ensuring the availability of sufficient bandwidth. This is achieved through government funding (via USOF) to BSNL for hiring restoration of bandwidth from Bangladesh. This suggests a potential existing deficit in reliable internet connectivity for the region. The amendment seems designed to provide a concrete solution to that deficit. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces the following specific changes to the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951: * **Specific Part of the Original Policy Changed:** Rule 525, sub-rule 2, clause v. Also, Rule 526. * **New Rule/Provision:** A new item "p" is inserted into rule 525(2)(v) stating: "For hiring restoration of 10Gbps International Bandwidth for internet connectivity to Agartala from BSCCL, Bangladesh via Cox Bazar Kuakata, BSNL shall be funded by the USOF for a period of three years from the actual date of hiring restoration of the aforesaid bandwidth." Consequently, in rule 526, the reference is updated to include the new item "p". * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** This amendment allocates USOF funds to BSNL specifically for the purpose of securing international bandwidth to improve internet connectivity in Agartala. The original rule did not contain this provision. The change ensures financial support for this specific bandwidth arrangement, potentially leading to improved and more reliable internet access in the region. The amendment to rule 526 ensures the new item "p" is correctly referenced. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **BSNL:** As the recipient of USOF funding, BSNL is directly responsible for implementing the bandwidth arrangement. * **Residents and Businesses in Agartala:** They are the ultimate beneficiaries of the improved internet connectivity. * **BSCCL, Bangladesh:** As the bandwidth provider. * **Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF):** As the funding body. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * **Department of Telecommunications:** Oversees the implementation of the rules. * **BSNL:** Responsible for hiring restoration of bandwidth. * **USOF:** Responsible for disbursing funds. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The amendment comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (December 17, 2021). * USOF funding is provided for a period of three years from the actual date of hiring restoration of the bandwidth. The specific procedures for disbursal of funds and reporting are not detailed in the provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to: * Improve the quality and reliability of internet connectivity in Agartala. * Support BSNL in providing enhanced internet services to the region. * Potentially stimulate economic activity and improve access to information and services for residents and businesses in Agartala. **9. Conclusion:** The Indian Telegraph Fifth Amendment Rules, 2021, represents a targeted effort to address internet connectivity challenges in Agartala by facilitating the provision of international bandwidth through USOF funding to BSNL. The amendment's significance lies in its direct allocation of resources to a specific infrastructure project aimed at improving internet access in a particular region. Further details regarding implementation procedures and performance monitoring would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the amendment's long-term impact.

Key Entities Referenced