I&B Ministry
WPC launches Automated Spectrum Management System
MUMBAI: Minister of Communications & Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran has launched the Automated Spectrum Management System (ASMS) of the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications. The system has two components, namely ASMS and NSMS (National Spectrum Monitoring System) and has been implemented at a cost of Rs. 200 crore with the World Bank assistance.
While launching the system, Maran said that the role of WPC to the rest of the world is very crucial and important as the responsibility of WPC has grown ten-folds within a short span of time. With the announcement of targeting 200-250 million telephone connections in the next three years, the responsibility of WPC Wing has further grown, he said.
The system has national headquarters at Sanchar Bhavan with access to the field organisations across the country. The system will have a centralised data base of the wireless licenses, frequency records, spectrum engineering Management & Analysis software and Digital Terrain Map (DTM) of the country. Further the system has features including on-line filing of application for frequency assignments & licenses, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) & Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) analysis, frequency planning, frequency co-ordination, clearance of sites and billing and receipts which would optimise the use of scarce spectrum resource. The system will further help in faster-processing of requirements and response, greater transparency, standardised and secured process of issuing licenses, online status of the applications, better coordination with members of SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee for Frequency Allocation), informs an official release.
The trend in modern telecommunications towards mobility with increasingly high data rates which requires greater use of radio frequency spectrum (RFS). Broadband services would also need spectrum for roll-out, especially in rural areas. The system will accelerate the growth of wireless-based telecom services in the country, thereby benefiting all the wireless users, the release adds.
I&B Ministry
MIB blocks MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro and three other OTT platforms over obscene, sexually explicit content
Platforms streamed material violating IT Act provisions
NATIONAL: India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry blocked five over-the-top streaming platforms for allegedly hosting obscene and sexually explicit content, marking a fresh escalation in regulatory action against digital services operating outside the country’s content rules, as per media reports.
The platforms, MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu, were found to be streaming material that prima facie violates provisions of the Information Technology Act and rules governing online publishers.
Blocking orders were issued under statutory powers that allow the government to restrict access to online content in the interest of public order and decency. Internet service providers have been directed to disable access to the websites and mobile applications linked to the platforms.
The move forms part of a wider surveillance drive by the ministry targeting lesser-known and unregulated streaming services that allegedly evade self-regulatory obligations applicable to OTT platforms. Officials said the action followed repeated advisories urging compliance with Indian laws, including age-based classification, grievance redressal mechanisms and restrictions on explicit material.
Government sources described the content hosted by the blocked platforms as “highly explicit”, adding that it crossed legal thresholds permitted under Indian law. While large OTT players operate within a three-tier grievance redressal framework introduced in 2021, smaller apps have increasingly drawn scrutiny for distributing adult content without oversight.
The latest action also reflects heightened enforcement against platforms operating through mirror websites, offshore hosting arrangements or opaque ownership structures. Authorities have in recent years stepped up monitoring of online curated content amid concerns around obscenity, misleading promotions and unlawful distribution.
Officials declined to say whether further steps, including probes into operators, payment gateways or production entities, were being considered. However, sources indicated that additional platforms could face similar action if found in breach of the law.
