Haryana Cabinet Approves Amendment in Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Policy | 29 Nov 2023

Why In News?

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on November 27, 2023 approved amendments to the 'Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Policy-2023' with an aim to increase the availability of high-quality technology and communication infrastructure to boost connectivity across the state.

Key Points:

• This new policy will replace the 'Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Policy-2017' and will align with the revised Indian Telegraph Right of Way rules notified by the Union Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications) in 2022.
• The cabinet decision encourages integration of cutting-edge technological advancements in the telecom sector, including innovative business models such as 'Fiber to the Home' (FTTH) and 'Open Access Network' (OAN), which separates physical access to networks from service delivery.
• The revised policy establishes a framework for building 5G enabled infrastructure through roadside ducts, allowing multiple service providers to share the same infrastructure to optimise 'Right of Way' (ROW) availability and prevent repeated disruptions caused by digging in ROWs by multiple infrastructure providers.
• Under the newly sanctioned schedule, if the nodal officer fails to grant permission or reject the application within 45 days (about 1 and a half months) from the date of submission of application, the permission will be deemed granted. The Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district will be the only contact person for all the approvals.
• Any telecom infrastructure and service provider registered or licensed with the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India or an infrastructure provider duly authorized by the licensee to lay communication and connectivity infrastructure is eligible to seek permission under this policy to establish, lay or provide connectivity infrastructure and communications in the State.