Government Extends Deadline for Feedback on Draft Telecommunications Authorisation Rules

The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications, issued a notification on October 8, 2025, extending the period for stakeholders to submit objections and suggestions regarding the draft Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Main Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025. This notification, identified as G.S.R. 741(E), was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-Section (i), and came into force upon its publication. The initial draft rules had been published on September 5, 2025, under G.S.R. 606(E), as mandated by section 56(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), inviting public comments within thirty days from the date of availability of the Official Gazette, which was September 8, 2025. The Central Government's decision to extend the timeline was a direct response to requests received from various stakeholders, acknowledging the significant implications of the proposed rules. The notification specifically stated: “considering the requests received from the stakeholders for extending the timeline of sending comments on the said draft rules and larger implications of the said rules, the Central Government hereby extends the timeline of sending objections or suggestions on the draft rules upto 21.10.2025.” This procedural amendment ensures that all persons likely to be affected by the proposed framework for telecommunication service authorisations are afforded additional time to provide their input.

The primary objective behind this extension is to facilitate a more comprehensive and inclusive consultation process for the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Main Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025. By granting additional time, the government aims to gather a wider range of perspectives and insights from industry participants, consumer groups, and other interested parties. This approach is consistent with the policy rationale of ensuring robust public participation in the formulation of significant regulatory frameworks, especially those derived from new legislative enactments like the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The extension addresses the practical issue of stakeholders requiring more time to thoroughly review and formulate their responses to complex draft regulations. While the Telecommunications Act, 2023, established the statutory requirement for public consultation, this notification specifically addresses the timeline for that consultation, ensuring that the spirit of comprehensive feedback is upheld. The new deadline for submitting objections or suggestions on the draft rules is now October 21, 2025.

Keywords: Telecommunications Act 2023, Draft Rules, Public Consultation, Ministry of Communications, Authorisation Rules, Stakeholder Feedback, Regulatory Extension, Telecommunication Services, India Geo Tags: India, Delhi District: Not Applicable