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Scindia: No SIM Rule Relaxation, Security Over Revenue in Telecom

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has firmly stated there will be no relaxation of SIM binding rules or the mandatory six-hour logout for web sessions, prioritising national security. He confirmed that TRAI's recommendations for the next spectrum auction are under evaluation, with a timeline to be announced later. Scindia expressed eagerness to launch satellite services in India, pending the finalisation of spectrum pricing and security compliance. On Adjusted Gross Revenue relief, he noted the DoT is following the Supreme Court's Vodafone Idea verdict, and other operators can seek similar recourse.

Key Points: Scindia: No Change to SIM Binding Rules, Security First

  • SIM binding rules unchanged
  • Security priority over revenue
  • Spectrum auction timeline pending
  • Satellite services await pricing
  • AGR relief follows court verdict
2 min read

No change to SIM Binding rules as security takes precedence, says Jyotiraditya Scindia

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirms no relaxation of SIM binding and web session logout rules, prioritising national security over revenue impacts.

"no thought on relaxing the mandatory logout of web sessions beyond six hours - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

New Delhi, February 25

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the government maintained its stance on SIM binding rules, prioritising national security over revenue implications.

Speaking to the media off camera, the Minister clarified that there was "no thought on relaxing the mandatory logout of web sessions beyond six hours." He noted that the "rules stood as they were" and the "logout requirement was only meant for virtual connections rather than direct connections on phones."

As per Scindia, security issues took precedence on national interest grounds when weighed against potential revenue impacts.

Regarding the timelines for the next spectrum auction, the Minister confirmed that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had submitted its recommendations. He said that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) would take a view on the matter. The department was expected to come out with recommendations across various spectrum bands and reserve pricing. Scindia noted that these "recommendations would be evaluated and the specific timeline would be released at a later date."

The Minister also addressed the progress of satellite spectrum allocation, stating that he is "eager to start satellite services in India." He explained that the initiation of these services depended on the responsibility of fixing the price of spectrum assignment and ensuring all security compliances were fulfilled.

He mentioned that when both conditions were met, the spectrum could be allocated. Scindia said that the government was "doing its best to get that spectrum assignment price on board," and the effort was currently underway to get it done.

On the matter of Adjusted Gross Revenue relief being sought by other telecommunications companies, Scindia stated that the Department of Telecommunications was operating under the Supreme Court verdict with respect to Vodafone Idea. He also noted that "any other telecommunications operator who had a desire for similar relief could take the same route."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the security angle, the 6-hour logout rule for web sessions is a bit inconvenient for those of us who work long hours on our computers. Can't there be a secure but more user-friendly option? Just a thought.
R
Rohit P
Finally some clarity on the spectrum auction timeline! TRAI has given recommendations, now DoT needs to act fast. We need better network coverage and 5G rollout can't be delayed. Hope they announce dates soon.
S
Sarah B
The focus on satellite services is exciting! If implemented well, it could be a game-changer for connectivity in remote areas of India. Security compliances are important, but I hope the pricing is kept reasonable for wider adoption.
V
Vikram M
Regarding the AGR relief, it's good that the government is following the Supreme Court's direction. A level playing field is crucial. Other telcos should get the same treatment as Vodafone Idea if they meet the criteria.
K
Kavya N
As a small business owner, I appreciate the government's stance on security. A few minutes of inconvenience is nothing compared to the risk of a data breach or financial fraud. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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