The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has amended the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules (RoW), 2022, in order to streamline the process of rolling out telecom infrastructure especially with 5G services on the horizon. The rules were first notified on November 15, 2016, after which amendments were made on April 21, 2017, and October 21, 2021. The RoW Rules make life easier for telecom companies, who face several hurdles in building telecom infrastructure such as dealing with local municipalities for land allocation and permits. The development is important for 5G technology because companies need a wide range of equipment for an operational network. Why it matters: The announcement is crucial as telecom companies will face fewer delays in installing 5G infrastructure such as cables and towers given that the 5G spectrum auction concluded recently. The amendments are likely to expedite the process of installing the requisite infrastructure. The telcos said it will provide cost benefits and ease in rolling out infrastructure for 5G. What are the new amendments? The DoT introduced two major amendments to the Right of Way Rules, 2016. They are as follows: Usage of street furniture in installing small cells & telegraph lines: A small cell can be defined as a “low powered cellular radio access node that has a coverage of distance from ten metres to two kilometres”. Here are the provisions laid down by the DoT: Permission to use street furniture: A company will have to submit an application, along with details of street furniture and a…
