Revised Draft Communication Convergence Bill, 2001
Incorporating Comments/suggestions received from interested organisations and individuals on the Draft Bill prepared by the Sub-Group on Convergence* in January 2001.

(Courtesy: The Department of Telecommunication)

THE COMMUNICATION CONVERGENCE BILL, 2001

A

BILL

to provide for the promotion, development and regulation of the carriage and content of communications (including broadcasting, telecommunication, and multimedia), for the establishment of an autonomous commission to regulate all forms of communications, and for the setting-up of an Appellate Tribunal and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

WHEREAS IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY:

(i) to facilitate development of national infrastructure for- an information based society, and to enable access thereto;
(ii) to provide a choice of services to the people with a view to promoting plurality of news, views and information;
(iii) to establish a regulatory framework for carriage and content of communication in the scenario of convergence of telecommunication, broadcasting, data-communication, multimedia and other related technologies and services; and
(iv) to establish the powers, procedures and functions of a single regulatory and licensing authority and of the Appellate Tribunal.

NOW THEREFORE

Be it enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-first Year of the Republic of India as follows:-

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

Short title, extent and commencement .

1.
(1) This Act may be called the Communication Convergence Act, 2001.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and any reference in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the commencement of that provision.

Definitions.

2.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--
(1)"Appellate Tribunal" means the Communications Appellate Tribunal established under section 43;

(2)"Network application service" means the service provided by means of one or more network services and includes such other services as may be prescribed.

(3)"Broadcasting service" means a content application service for providing television programmes or radio programmes, to persons having equipment appropriate for receiving that service regardless of the means of delivery of that service, but does not include :
(a) a service (including a teletext service) that provides only data, or text (with or without associated still images); or
(b) a service that makes programmes available on demand on a point-to-point basis, including a dial-up service; or
(c) a service, or a class of services, that the Central Government may notify in the official Gazette, as not being a broadcasting service.

(4)"channel" means a set of frequencies used for transmission of a programme;

(5)"Commission" means the Communications Commission of India established under, sub-section (1) of section 6 ;

(6)"communication" means the process of conveyance of content through transmission, emission or reception of signals, by wire or other electromagnetic emissions.

(7)"communication service" means a network service or a content application service.

(8)"content" means any sound, text, data, picture - still or moving, other audio-visual representation, signal or intelligence of any nature or any combination thereof which is capable of being created, processed, stored, retrieved or communicated  electronically".

(9)"content application service" means an application service which provides content meant for the public and includes such other services as may be prescribed;

(10)"customer premises equipment" means any equipment, apparatus or instrument alongwith its connecting link upto the interface unit located at the customer premises connecting with the network infrastructure facility.

(11)"encrypted" means treated electronically or otherwise for the purpose of preventing intelligible reception by unauthorised persons;

(12) [10] "frequency" means frequency of electro-magnetic waves used for providing a communication service;

(13)"foreign satellite broadcasting service" means a broadcasting service provided by using a satellite, uplinked from a foreign country and receivable in India;

(14)"free-to-air broadcasting service" means a non encrypted broadcasting service made available for reception by receiving equipment commonly available to the public without requiring payment of a subscription fee;

(15) (11) "license" means a license issued by the Commission under Chapter VII or Chapter VIII of this Act;

(16) [12] "licensee" means any person who has been granted a license;

(17] [13]"licensed service" means a service licensed under this Act;

(18) [14] "Member" means a Member of the Commission appointed under sub-section (3) of section 6 and includes the Chairperson;

(19) [15] "network infrastructure facilities" means any element or combination of elements of  physical infrastructure used principally for, or in connection with, the provision of network services, but does not include customer premises equipment and includes such other services as may be prescribed;

(19)"network infrastructure facilities" means any element or combination of elements of  physical infrastructure used principally for, or in connection with, the provision of network services, but does not include customer premises equipment and includes such other services as may be prescribed;

(20)"network infrastructure facility provider" means a person who owns or operates any network infrastructure facility;

(21) [16] "network service" means a service for carrying communications by means of guided or unguided electromagnetic radiation and includes such other services as may be prescribed

(22) [17] "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette and the expression "notified" shall be construed accordingly;

(23) [18] "post" means a post and includes a pole, tower, standard, stay, strut, cabinet, pillar or any above ground contrivance for carrying, suspending or supporting any network infrastructure facility.

(24] [19]"prescribed" means prescribed by rules made by the Central Government under this Act;

(25] [20]"programme" means - television or radio programme including advertising or sponsorship, whether or not of a commercial kind.

(26] [21]"programme code" means the code specified under section 21;

(27] [22]"public authority" means and includes -
(i) the Central Government;
(ii) a State Government;
(iii) any person, agency or organisation engaged in land development for public use, or in roiads for public transportation.
(iv) any municipal committee, cantonment board, district board, port trusts, or other authorities legally entitled to, or entrusted by the Central or any State Government with, the control or management of any municipal or local fund.
(v) any institution, concern or undertaking or body which is financed wholly or substantially by funds provided directly or indirectly by the Government that may be specified by notification in this behalf by the Central Government.

(28] [23]"public service broadcaster" means any body created by Act of Parliament for the  purpose of public service broadcasting;

(29)"registered service" means a foreign satellite broadcasting service registered with the Commission for its reception in India;

(30] [24]"regulations" mean regulations made by the Commission under this Act;

(31] [25]"Secretary-General" means the Secretary-General appointed under sub-section (1) of  section 15.

(32] [26]"service provider" means any person who provides a communication service;

(33][27]"spectrum" means a continuous range of continuous electromagnetic wave  frequencies upto and including a frequency of 3000 giga hertz;

(34)"spectrum manager" means an officer of the Central Government notified as such under clause (3) of section 24;

(35)[28]"subscriber" of a service means a person who subscribes to a communication service primarily for his own use;

(36] [29]"subscription fee" means any form of consideration given by subscriber;

(37)"uplinking" with reference to satellite broadcast service means uplinking of  programme transmitted from an earth station to the satellite.

30 [37A] "Universal Service Obligation" - means obligation as may be prescribed from time to time.

31 [37B] "Value added network application service" - means the service provided by means of value addition using one or more.

(38)[32]"wireless equipment" means any equipment in use or capable of use in wireless communication and includes any article or apparatus as may be so notified by the Central Government in this behalf.

(39)[33]"Wireless communication" means any communication without the use of wire or cable.

CHAPTER II

REGULATION OF USE OF SPECTRUM, COMMUNICATION SERVICES, NETWORKINFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES, AND WIRELESS EQUIPMENT.

Prohibition of use of spectrum without assignment

3.
No person shall use any part of the spectrum without assignment from the Central Government or the Commission as provided for in this Act.

Prohibition of provision of certain services without a license

4 .
(1). Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2) no person shall
(1) No person shall:
(a) own or provide any network infrastructure facility, or
(b) provide any network service, or any application service or any content application service, without a license granted under this Act:

Provided that the Central Government may, by notification exempt any person, or of persons, from the provisions of this section.

Provided further that the Central Government may by Notification exempt any facility or service from the provisions of this section**.

Prohibition of possession of wireless equipment without a license

5.
(1)  No person shall possess any wireless equipment without obtaining a license in.accordance with the provisions of this Act:
The draft Notification has to be issued simultaneously with the Act otherwise the Commission will be inundated with a large number of applications for licences for services and facility which are currently in wide spread use.
Provided that the Central Government may by notification exempt in public interest any person or of persons or any wireless equipment or categories of wireless equipment from the provisions of this section.

(2)  Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to any person or equipment.already licensed under section 4.

CHAPTER III

COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OF INDIA

Establishment of Commission

6
(1) With effect from such date as the Central Government may by notification appoint in this behalf, there shall be established for the purpose of this Act, a Commission, to be known as.the Communications Commission of India. The Head Office of the Commission shall be located at Delhi with Regional Offices at Calcutta, Chennai and Mumbai .

(2) The Commission shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable and to contract, and shall by the said name sue and be sued.

(3) The Commission shall consist of the following Members, namely:-
(a) a Chairperson;
(b) seven persons to be appointed as Members.
(c) the Spectrum Manager, as ex-officio member.

(4) The Chairperson and not less than five Members, (other than the ex-officio Member), shall be whole-time Members.

Appointment of Chairperson and Members.

7.
(1) The Chairperson and Members (except the ex-officio Member) shall be appointed by the Central Government by notification, from amongst persons of eminence in the various specialised fields such as broadcasting, telecommunications, information technology, finance, management and law .

(2) Before appointing any person as Chairperson or Member, the Central Government shall satisfy itself that the person does not have any such financial or other interests as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as such member.

(3) A person who is in the service of Government shall have to retire or resign from service before joining as Chairperson or whole time member.

Term of office of Chairperson and Members.

8.
(1) The Chairperson and whole-time Members shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which they enter upon their office or untill they attain age of 65 years whichever is earlier. Provided that the Chairperson.and whole-time members shall not be eligible for re-appointment

(2) The tenure of part time Members shall be such as may be prescribed.

(3) The Chairperson shall have powers of general superintendence and direction in the conduct of affairs of the Commission and shall, in addition to presiding over the meetings of the Commission, exercise and discharge such powers and functions of the Commission as may be assigned to the Chairperson by the Commission.

(4) The Chairperson or any Member of the Communications Commission may resign from his or her office by giving notice thereof in writing to the Central Government and on such resignation being accepted, the Chairperson or such other Member shall be deemed to have vacated office.

Removal from office of Chairperson and Members.

8(A)
The Central Government may remove from office any member -
(a) who has been adjudged insolvent, or
(b) who in the opinion of the Central Government has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a member, or
(c) who has been convicted of any offence which in the opinion of the Central Government involves moral turpitude or
(d) who has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as Chairman/ member; or
(e) who has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest
No such member shall be removed from his office under clause (d) or clause (e) above unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.

Salary and allowances of Chairperson and Members

9.
The salary and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and Members shall be such as may be prescribed:

Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson or a Member shall be varied to their disadvantage after appointment

10.

Vacancy or defect not to invalidate proceedings.

11.
No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalidated merely by reason of -
(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Commission; or
(b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a Member; or
(c) any irregularity in the procedure of the Commission not affecting the merits of the case.

Functions of Regional Offices.

12.
The Regional Offices of the Commission at Calcutta, Mumbai and Chennai will perform such functions as may be determined by regulation ***.

Meetings of Commission.

13.
(1)The Commission shall meet at such times and places and shall observe such procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be provided by regulations.

(2) A Member (other than the Chairperson) shall be deemed to have vacated his or her office if he absents himself for three consecutive meetings of the Commission without the leave of the Chairperson.

(3) The Chairperson or, if he is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission, any other Member nominated by the Chairperson in this behalf and, in the absence of such nomination or where there is no Chairperson, any other Member chosen by the Members present from among themselves shall preside at the meeting of the Commission.

Power of Commission to regulate its procedure.

14.
(1)The Commission shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:-
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him/her on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(e) subject to the provisions of section 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1972, requisitioning any public record or document or a copy of such record or or document, from any office;
(f) dismissing an application for default or deciding it, ex parte;
(g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it, ex parte; and
(h) reviewing its decisions;
(i) issuing interim directions and granting interim relief
(j) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(2) All proceedings before the Commission shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860;

(3) The Commission shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of sections 345 and 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

(4) The Commission shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and, subject to the other provisions of this Act and of any rules, the Commission shall have powers to regulate its own procedure including the fixing of places and times of business.

Secretary-General of the Commission.

15.
(1)The Central Government shall make available to the Commission, a panel of not less than three officers of the rank of the Secretary to the Government of India and the Commission may appoint one of them as the Secretary-General of the Commission.

(2)The Secretary-General shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission and shall exercise such powers and discharge such functions of the Commission as may be delegated to him/her by the Commission.

(3) The Secretary-General shall be appointed on deputation basis and on such terms and conditions of service as may be prescribed.

15. Secretary-General of the Commission.

(1) The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the Commission and shall be its Chief Executive Officer and shall exercise and discharge such powers and functions as determined by regulation.

(2) For the purpose of aforesaid the Commission may seek from the Central Government a panel of not less than three officers who are eligible to be or are of the rank of the Secretary to the Government of India for being appointed as Secretary-General.

(3) The terms and conditions, and period of service, of the Secretary-General shall be such as maybe prescribed.

Delegation of powers

17A.
(1) The Commission may by general or special order in writing delegate to the Chairperson or any other member or officer of the Commission subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order, such of its powers and functions under this Act as it may deem necessary.

(2)The Commission may by general or special order in writing also form committees of the members and delegate to them the powers and functions of the Commission as may be specified in writing by the regulation.

Distribution of business and authorisation

18.
(1)Except for the power of making regulations, the Commission may, by general or special order, and from time to time make provision for the distribution of business of the Commission amongst members of the Commission as may be considered appropriate and necessary

(2) The Commission may by order in writing authorise any District Magistrate, or Sub-Divisional Magistrate in any area or any other officer of the Central Government or State Government or Union territory Administration to implement and ensure compliance of its directions and orders; and when so directed or authorised the officer so authorised shall be bound in law to implement and carry out such directions and orders

CHAPTER IV

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMISSION

Objectives and guiding principles

19.
The Communications Commission of India while exercising its functions shall be.guided by the following principles :
(i) that the communication sector is developed in a competitive environment and in consumer interest and that market dominance in a converged environment is suitably regulated;
(ii) that communication services are made available at affordable cost to all especially uncovered areas including the rural, remote, hilly and tribal areas;
(iii) that there is increasing access to information for greater empowerment of citizens and towards economic development;
(iv) that quality, plurality, diversity and choice of services are promoted;
(v) that a modern and effective communication infrastructure is established taking into account the convergence of information technology, media, telecom and consumer electronics;
(vi) that defence and security interests of the country are fully protected;
(vii) that introduction of new technologies, investment in services and infrastructure, and maximisation of communications facilities and services (including telephone density) are encouraged;
(viii) that equitable, non-discriminatory interconnection across various networks are promoted;
(ix) that licensing criteria are transparent and made known to the public;
(x) that an open licensing policy allowing any number of new entrants (except in specific cases constrained by limited resources such as the spectrum) is promoted; and
(xi) that the principle of a level playing field for all operators serving consumer interest, including existing operators on the date of commencement of the Act, is promoted.

CHAPTER V

POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION

Powers duties and functions of the Commission.

20.
(1) It shall be the duty of the Commission to facilitate and regulate all.matters  relating to.carriage and content of communications.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the.Commission shall-
(i) Carry out management, planning and monitoring of the spectrum for non-strategic/ commercial usages subject to the provision of section 24A;
(ii) grant licenses for purposes of the Act, and determine and enforce license conditions and determine fees (including fees for usage of spectrum) wherever required;
(iii) determine appropriate tariffs and rates for licensed services, wherever considered necessary and keeping in view the objectives and guiding principles in the Act;
(iv) ensure that the grant of licenses will not result in eliminating competition or in one or more service providers becoming dominant to the detriment of other service providers or consumers;
(v) promote competition and efficiency in the operation of communication services and network infrastructure facilities;
(vi) formulate and determine conditions for fair, equitable and non-discriminatory access to a network infrastructure facility or network service such other related matters in respect thereof;
(vii) take measures to protect consumer interests and promote and enforce universal service obligations;
(viii) formulate and lay down programme and advertising codes in respect of content application services;
(ix) formulate and lay down commercial codes in respect of communication services and network infrastructure facilities;
(x) take steps to regulate or curtail the harmful and illegal content on the internet and other communication services;
(xi) formulate and lay down codes and technical standards and norms to ensure quality and interoperability of services and network infrastructure facilities (including equipment);
(xii) carry out any study and publish findings on matters of importance to the consumers, service providers and the communications industry;
(xiii) institutionalise appropriate mechanisms and interact on a continual basis with all sectors of industry and consumers, so as to facilitate and promote the basic objectives of the Act; to encourage self regulatory codes and standards;
(xiv) report and make recommendations on such matters as may be referred to it by the Central Government;
(xiv) report and make recommedations either suo moto or on such matters as may be referred to by the Central Government in the matter prescribed
(xv) perform all or any functions in furtherance of the objects of this Act, or such as may be prescribed.

(3) Whilst exercising its functions under this Act, the Commission shall ensure transparency.

Sec. 20A - Power to make recommendation in certain cases

The Commission may at any time make appropriate recommedations to the Central Government with regard to any particular pratice or pratices that impige upon or adversely affect the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign countries or State, public order, decency or morality.

Codes and Standards

21.
The Commission shall by regulations from time to time specify programme codes and standards which may include inter alia practices -
(i) to ensure that nothing is contained in any programme which is prejudicial to the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order or which may constitute contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
(ii) to ensure fairness and impartiality in presentation of news and other programmes.
(iii) to ensure emphasis on promotion of Indian culture, values of national integration, religious and communal harmony, and a scientific temper.
(iv) to ensure in all programmes decency in portrayal of women, and restraint in portrayal of violence and sexual conduct;
(v) to enhance general standards of good taste, decency and morality.

Hearing of complaints and resolution of disputes by the Commission in certain cases

22 .
(1). The Commission shall -
(a) decide any dispute or matter -
(i) between two or more service providers on issues relating to spectrum interference, interconnectivity, denial of fair access and practices restrictive of fair competition; and
(ii) between a service provider and a group of consumers.
(iii) arising out of enforcement of any provision of this Act;
(b) hear and determine any complaint from any person regarding contravention of the provisions the Act, rules, regulations or orders made thereunder including contraventions relating to any formulated codes and technical standards, and of other terms and conditions subject to which any license or registration was granted; and if necessary refer the matter for adjudication under Chapter X.

(2) For purposes of sub section (1) the Commission shall pass such orders and issue such directions as it deems fit.

"(3) The Commission shall endeavour to decide disputes and complaints referred to in sub-section (1) as expenditiously as possible"

Directives by the Central Government.

23 .
(1) In exercising its licensing and regulatory functions the Commission.shall follow such.policy directives as may be communicated to it in writing by the Central Government.from time to time. Such directives.may include the route and the mode in which.any services are to be licensed, whether by way of auction or in any other form.

(2) In framing the policy directives the Central Government shall take into account the objectives and guiding principles governing the administration of the Act.

(3) The decision of the Central Government whether a question is one.of policy or not shall be final.

(4) The Commission may request the Central Government by means of a written.communication for a review of any policy directive,and if any such request is made .the Central Government will respond in writing to such request with all expeditious despatch.

CHAPTER VI

FREQUENCY SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT

Spectrum Management Committee

24
(1)The Central Government shall be responsible for coordination with international agencies in respect of matters relating to Spectrum Management and also for allocation of available spectrum for strategic and non-strategic/commercial purposes.

(2) For purposes of discharging the responsibility under sub-section (1) above the Central Government shall establish, by notification, a Spectrum Management Committee with the Cabinet Secretary as its Chairman and consisting of such other members as may be notified from time to time.

(3) The Central Government shall also notify an officer of that Government as "Spectrum Manager, Government of India", to act as Member-Secretary of the Spectrum Management Committee.

(4) Subject to general supervision and control of the Spectrum Management Committee the Spectrum Manager shall, inter-alia, perform the following functions :
(i) co-ordinate with international agencies matters relating to overall spectrum planning, use and its management; (ii) carry out spectrum planning, and assign frequencies to the Central Government and to State Governments to meet their vital needs, including defence and national security.
(iii) allocate frequencies or band of frequencies including frequencies which are to be assigned by the Commission; and re-assignment of frequencies from time to time.
(iv) constantly review and make available as much spectrum as possible for assignment by the Commission, in particular by optimizing usages, and.
(v) Monitoring, in consultation with the Commission, the efficiency of the utilization of the spectrum by all users including investigation and resolution of spectrum interference. (vi) After meeting the requirements of the Central Government and of State Governments for fulfilling their vital needs - including defence and national security, the Spectrum Manager shall make the spectrum available (to the maximum extent possible) for assignment by the Commission, both in the shared as well as in the exclusive bands.

24(A)
The Commission shall be responsible for assignment of the non strategic/ commercial spectrum to various users. Provided that the Commission shall assign such frequencies in case these are not exclusively allocated to it, only  with the prior approval of the Spectrum Management Committee.

(2)Whenever the Commission seeks allocation of additional spectrum for assignment (including in the shared bands) a process for mutual consultation between the Commission and the Spectrum Manager shall be initiated in such manner and within a specified time frame as may be prescribed.

Commission to notify schemes for assignment of spectrum

25
(1) Before assigning any part of spectrum, the Commission shall prepare and notify from time to time one or more schemes or plans for such assignment,  after such public hearing as the Commission may consider appropriate.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification, determine the class or classes of persons or services for preferential assignment of any frequency or spectrum by the Commission.

CHAPTER VII

LICENSES FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES

Licenses for service providers

26.
(1) Having regard to the necessity of serving the public interest, ensuring competition and prevention of monopolies in the provision of communication services, the Commission may, by regulations specify, -
(i) eligibility conditions for issue of licenses;
(ii) cross-media restrictions having regard to accumulation of interest;
"(ii) Such restrictions regarding ownership and or control of the media having regard to accumulation of interest ";
(iii) restrictions or otherwise on the number of licenses or extent of accumulation of interest in such licenses by a person; and
(iv) such other conditions as may be considered necessary from time to time.

(2) (a) The Commission may determine by regulation obligations,conditions,restrictions,tariffs and rates subject to which service provider shall provisde services.

(b) The Commission may be regulations determine the conditions subject to which a license may be granted or transferred .

(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Commission may grant license in such manner, and within such time subject to such terms and conditions, on payment of such fees and after following such procedures as may be determined by regulation.

(4) The Commission shall notify from time to time one or more schemes or plans for licensing containing such details as may be specified by regulations.

Provided that the Commission shall before finalising such scheme or plan consult the Central Government in order to ensure that the defence and security interests of the country is fully proctected."

(5) Any scheme or plan referred to in sub-section (4) may provide for the eligibility conditions, the number, and scope of licenses and such other matters as the Commission may consider necessary.

(6) The Commission may grant license to any person : (a) to provide or own network infrastructure facilities, (b) to provide network services, (c) to provide application services, and (d) to provide content application services

(a) to provide or own network infrastructure facilities,
Explanation:
For the purposes of clause (a) above,network infrastructure facilities shall include facilities such as
(i) Earth Stations
(ii) Cable infrastructure

***** A description of the facilites and services which can be provided by a licencees of network infrastructure facilities, network services; application services and content application services is set out in appendix II which will not form part of the Bill since description will keep changing with time and new technology. it is included here as an appendix only to indicate to the draftsman of the notification contemplated under the definitations which of these services should be included in the definitation clause.
(iii) Wireless Equipment
(iv) Towers,poles,ducts and pits used in conjunction with other communication infrastructure
(v) Broadcasting Distribution Facilites

(b) to provide networking services.
Explanation:
For the purposes of clause (b) above, networking services shall include facilities such as
(i) Band width services
(ii) Fixed links
(iii) Mobile Links

(c) to provide network applications services,
Explanation:
For the purposes of clause (c) above, networking services shall include facilities such as :
(i) PSTN Telephony ( Public Switched Telephony Network)
(ii) Public Cellular Telephony
(iii) GMPCS ( Global Mobile Personal Communication by Statellite)
(iv) IP Telephony
(v) Radio Paging Services
(vi) PMRTS ( Public Mobile Radio Trunking Services)
(vii) Public Switched Data Services
(viii) Broadcasting ( Radio / TV )

(d) to provide content application services
Explanation:
For the purposes of clause (d) above,content application services shall include facilities such as :
(i) Satellite Broadcasting
(ii) Subscription Broadcasting
(iii) Terrestrial free to air TV Broadcasting
(iv) Terrestrial Radio Broadcasting
(v) Internet based content on websites

(a) to provide value added network application services
Explanation:
For the purposes of clause (e) above, networking services shall include facilities such as :
(i) Internt Services
(ii) U M S ( Unified managing Services)
(iii) I T enabled services including call centres, E-commerce, tele banking, tele education, tele trading and tele medicine, etc.
(iv) Video -tex
(v) Video-conference

(7) While granting a license for any one of the categories under sub-section (6) the Commission may confine or limit the scope of the service to be provided by the service provider.

"(7) While granting a license for any of the categories under the sub-section (6), the Commission may confine or limit the scope of the facility or services to be provided by the service provider licencee in each category of licence, and also specify the conditions for providing that facility or services."

(8) While granting a license under sub-section (6) the Commission may grant licenses either singly or jointly for one or more categories as may be prescribed. .
Provided that no license shall be granted under this sub-section if it conflicts with the objectives and guiding principles set out in Chapter IV particularly in relation to ensuring fair access and promotion of competition .

"(8) While granting a license under sub-section (6) the Commission may grant licenses either singly or jointly for one or more categories as may be prescribed. .
Provided that no license shall be granted under this sub-section if it conflicts with the objectives and guiding principles set out in Chapter IV particularly in relation to ensuring fair access and promotion of competition ."

" Provided that no licence will be required in respect of any person or class of person, or an facility or services, which has been exempted under the provisos to Section 4 (b)."

Period and form of license

27.
(1) A license shall be granted for such period as may be specified by regulations.

(2) A license granted under this Act shall be in such form and shall be subject to the payment of such fees as may be determined by regulations:
Provided that the Central Government may by notification, in public interest exempt any person or class of persons from payment of the license fee.

Duties of service providers

28
(1) The Commission may, from time to time, determine by regulations such obligations, conditions, restrictions, tariffs, and rates subject to which the service provider shall provide services.

(2) Without prejudice to the foregoing provision
(a) (1) Every service provider shall wherever required or applicable-
(i) provide such services to give effect to universal service obligations as may be prescribed.
(ii) provide such life saving services as may be prescribed;
(iii) provide service to any person on demand (within a reasonable period of time) and on a non-discriminatory basis;
(iv) follow the codes and standards laid down and specified by the Commission;

(b) (2) Every service provider of a content application service shall wherever required or applicable
(i) endeavour to provide a suitable proportion of programmes of indigenous origin; and
(ii) ensure that no programme forming part of its services infringes any copyright.

(3) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Act, every service provider holding a license for providing distribution of broadcasting services shall, amongst others, -
(i) provide a specified number and type of broadcasting services, including those of the public service broadcaster, in such manner, as may be prescribed;
(ii) include only licensed broadcasting service or registered services in his delivery package for the purposes of distribution;
(iii) use not more than such number of channels as specified by regulations, out of the total channel capacity of the system, for providing his own programming.

Certain Agreements to be registered with the Commission

29.
Every agreement entered into or made by any service provider falling under one or more of the following categories shall, within sixty days from the making of such agreement, be registered with the Commission namely:-
(a) Shareholders or promoters agreements ;
(b) Interconnectivity agreements;
(c) Such other agreements as may be specified by regulations.

CHAPTER VIII

LICENSING OF POSSESSION OF WIRELESS EQUIPMENT

License for wireless equipment

30.
(1) Subject to the provisions of sub section (1) of section 5, any person who intends to posses any wireless equipment shall make an application to the Commission for the grant of a license.

(2) Every application shall be in such form and shall be accompanied by such fees as may be determined by regulations.

(3) The Commission shall on receipt of an application under sub-section (1), after making such enquiries as it deems fit, grant the license or reject the application: Provided that no application shall be rejected unless an opportunity of being heard is given to the applicant; Provided that no application for a license shall be rejected except on grounds of security of State, public order or other public interest.

(4) Every license issued under this section shall be subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Commission may by regulations determine.

CHAPTER IX

SPECIAL PROVISION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN SERVICES

Provision for live broadcasting of certain events.

32
(1) For the purpose of ensuring widest availability of viewing in India of national or international events held in India, no person shall carry a broadcast of any such event in India, as may be previously notified by the Central Government, unless simultaneously the public service broadcaster (and/or any other broadcaster as may be notified by the Commission) have also been offered the broadcasting rights by the organisers of such event, on such terms as determined by the Commission in advance of the bidding for the event.

Provision for live broadcasting of certain events.

32
1. For the purpose of ensuring widest availability of viewing in India of national or international events of general public interest to be held in India, the Central Government shall notify the same well in advanced .
2. Such National or Internatoional event of general public interest will have to be carried on the network of the public service broadcaster(s) as well .
3. In order to strive towards providing a level playing field for bidders for Broadcasting rights, or persons interested in receiving broadcasting right for events, notified under sub-section (1) the Commission shall determine well in advance of such event the principles and terms for the access to the network of the public service broadcaster.

CHAPTER X

PENALTIES AND ADJUDICATION
BREACH OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LICENSES, PENALTIES AND ADJUDICATION

Breach of terms and conditions of Licenses, Penalties and Adjudication

33.(1) With out prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this chapter. In any case of breach of any of the terms of the license or
failures to comply with any decision, direction or order of the Commission, the Commission may, after providing an opportunity to the licensee of being heard, do any one or more of the following, namely:-

(a) direct the licensee to do or abstain from doing any act or thing;

(b) suspend the license for a special period;

(c) curtail the period of the license; or

(d) revoke the license.

(e) initiate adjudication proceedings under this chapter.

(2) If the Commission has a reason to believe that the terms and conditions of a license for providing a service have been or are being breached by a licensee, the Commission may authorised the seizure of the equipment being used for provision of such service, and for this purpose the Commission may be order in writing, authorise any District Magistrate, or Sub-Divisional Magistrate in any area,or any other officer of the Central Goverment or State Government or Union territory, to implement and ensure compliance of itsdirections and orders; and when so directed or authorised the authorities or officers concerned shall be bound to carry out such directions and orders.

(3) Any person aggrieved by such seizure may appeal to the Appellate Tribunal within thirty days of the seizure and the Appellate Tribunal may pass such orders as expeditiously as possible as to the disposal of the property so seized as it may deem fit.

Provided that no such equipment shall be retained by the Commission or the authorised officer for a period exceeding forty five days ninety days from the date of its seizure without the approval of the Appellate Tribunal on a report to be made by the authorised officer.

Penalty for breach of terms and conditions of license.

"34 . If any licensee commits breach of or fails to observe any terms and conditions subject to which a license was issued or fails to observe any rule, regulation and order made under this Act, the licensee shall be liable to a penalty under this Chapter". not exceeding rupees fifty crores.

Penalty for transmission, distribution etc. in contravention of the provisions or without license.

35.
If any person transmits or distributes any communication or performs any service incidental thereto by the use of a network infrastructure facility, communication  service or wireless equipment which is not licensed or which has been established or maintained or operated in contravention of the provisions of the Act or any rules, or regulations made thereunder, such person shall be liable to a penalty under this chapter which may extend to rupees ten crores.

38.
If any person wilfully fails to comply with any decision, direction or order of the Commission, such person shall be liable to a penalties under this chapter a penalty which may extend to rupees  five crores, and in case of a second or subsequent failure with a further penalty  which may extend to rupees ten crores, and in the case of continuing failure with an additional further penalty which may extend to rupees two lakhs for every day during which such failure continues.

(2) Every complaint under sub- section (1) (except a complaint under section 33) shall be  filed within sixty days from the date on which any act or conduct constituting the contravention took place and shall be in such form as may be prescribed:
Provided that the Commission may entertain the complaint after the expiry of the said  period if satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing the complaint, within the  time stated or pass such other order as it deems fit

(3) On receipt of a compliant under section (1) if the Commission is of the opinion that there is a prima facie case for referring the matter for adjudication under this Chapter it may refer the same to the Adjudicating Officer having jurisdiction in the matter for adjudication; in all other cases the Commission may summarily dismiss the complaint or pass such other order as it deems fit.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section the Commission may at any time refer suo motu any contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or of any rule, regulation direction or order made thereunder, to the Adjudicating Officer for adjudication in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

Power to adjudicate.

40.
(1)  For the purpose of adjudging whether any person has committed a contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or of any rule, regulation, direction or order made thereunder or is liable to a penalty under this Chapter, the Commission shall, subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), appoint an officer of the Commission as Adjudicating Officer for holding an inquiry in the manner provided for herein and in the  regulations.

(2) The Adjudicating Officer shall, give the person referred to in sub-section (1) a reasonable opportunity for making a representation in the matter, and if, on inquiry, the Adjudicating Officer is satisfied that the person has committed any contravention, and is liable to a penalty then such penalty as may be determined  by order shall be levied on such person.

(3) No person shall be appointed as an adjudicating officer unless he or she possesses such experience as may be prescribed.

(4) Where more than one adjudicating officers are appointed, the Commission shall specify by order the matters and places with respect to which   such officers shall exercise their jurisdiction.

(5) For the purpose of discharging his powers and functions, every Adjudicating Officer shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 in respect of the  following matters namely :
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d)subject to the provisions of section 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1972, requisitioning any public record or document or a copy of such record or a copy of such record or document, from any office;
(e) issuing Commissions for the examinations of witnesses or for production of documents;
(f) dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex parte;
(g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it, ex parte;
(h) reviewing its decisions;
(i) issuing interim directions and granting interim relief.
(j) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(6) The Adjudicating officer shall endeavours to decide disputes and complaints referred to in Sec. 39 as expeditiously as possible.

7 (6) All proceedings before the Adjudicating officer shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228 of the indian penal Code; 1860

8 (7) The Adjudicating Officer shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of sections 345 and 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

CHAPTER XI

COMMUNICATIONS APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

Establishment of Communications Appellate Tribunal.

(2)  Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Commission may prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal:

(3)  Every appeal under sub-section (2) shall be preferred within a period of sixty days from the date on which a copy of the decision or order made by the Commission is received by the person aggrieved and it shall be in such form, verified in such  manner and be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed:

(4)  Any person aggrieved by an order of penalty imposed by the Adjudicating Officer may prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal within sixty days from the date on  which such order is received. Such appeal shall be in such form, verified in such manner and accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed.

(5)  On receipt of an appeal under sub-section (2), or (4) above the Appellate Tribunal may after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of being heard, pass such  orders thereon as it thinks fit.

(6)  The Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to the parties to the appeal and to the Commission or to the Adjudicating Officer, as the case may be.

(7)  The Appellate Tribunal shall endeavour to deal with and dispose of every appeal  preferred under sub-section (2) and (4) above as expeditiously as possible; and all  parties appearing before the Appellate Tribunal shall actively assist in ensuring that  the appeal is determined and disposed off not later than ninety days from the date  of filing of the appeal:

(8)  The Appellate Tribunal may, on its own motion or otherwise for the purpose of examining the legality, propriety or correctness of any order or decision of the  Commission or of the Adjudicating Officer, call for all relevant records and make such orders as it thinks fit, provided that the power under this sub-section shall not   be invoked after the expiry of six months from the date of such order or decision.

(2) The appointment of Chairperson and Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be made by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, :
(a) the jurisdiction of the Appellate Tribunal may be exercised by Benches  thereof;
(b) a Bench may be constituted by the Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal consisting of two or more Members as the Chairperson may deem fit;Provided that every Bench shall be presided over by a Judicial member. Explanation: For the purposes of this section "Judicial Member" means any person who has been a judge of a High Court in  India.
(c) the Benches of the Appellate Tribunal shall ordinarily sit at New Delhi and also at such other places as the Central Government
 may notify, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Appellate  Tribunal,;
(d) the Central Government shall notify the areas in relation to which each Bench of the Appellate Tribunal may exercise jurisdiction.

(4) The Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal may from time to time (according to the  exigencies of business) request a Member sitting on one Bench to sit on another   Bench.

(5) If at any stage it appears to the Chairperson or a Bench of the Appellate Tribunal  that the case or matter is of such a nature that it ought to be heard by a Bench consisting of more than two or more Members, the case or matter may be transferred by the Chairperson to a Bench of more than two Members.

(4)
(a) If, for reason other than temporary absence, any vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairperson or a Member of the Appellate Tribunal,   the Central Government shall appoint another person in accordance  with the provisions of this Act to fill the vacancy.
(b) When the Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence, illness or any other cause,any member of the Appellate Tribunal, (as authorised so to do by the Central Government), shall discharge the functions of the Chairperson  until the day on which the Chairperson resumes charge of his  functions.

(5) Before appointing any person as Chairperson or Member, the Central Government shall satisfy itself that the person does not have any such financial or other interests as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as such member.

(6) A person who is in the service of Government shall have to retire or resign from service before joining as Chairperson or whole time member.

(3) The Central Government may suspend from office, the Chairperson or a Member  of the Appellate Tribunal in respect of whom a reference has been made to the  Supreme Court under sub-section (2), until the Central Government has passed an order on receipt of the report of the Supreme Court on such reference.

Distribution of business, transfer of cases, difference in opinion by Members.

47.
(1) The Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal may, from time to time, by order, make  provisions as to the distribution of the business of the Appellate Tribunal amongst the Benches and also provide for the matters which