What are the Responsibilities of DoT?

DOT Compliance

What are the Responsibilities of DoT?

Registrationwala

India is home to the world’s second largest telecommunications sector. To boost this sector, the Department of Telecommunication, commonly abbreviated as DoT, plays a major role.

 

In this article, we will discuss the responsibilities of DoT.

History of Telecommunications in India

Before we begin to discuss DoT, it is crucial to understand how telecom began in India. Until the year 1850, the postal means of communication was the only means of communication. But in 1850, things changed when an experimental electric telegraph was started for the very first time in India between Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) and Diamond Harbour (south suburbs of Kolkata, on the Hooghly River’s banks). In 1851, it was opened so that the British East India Company could use it. 

 

Subsequently, telegraph’s construction began throughout India. In 1854, when telegraph facilities were made available to the public, a separate department was opened. Dr. William O’Shaughnessy of the Public Works Department had pioneered the telegraph and telephone in India and worked towards the telecom’s development in the country. In early 1881, telephone exchanges were opened by Oriental Telephone Company Limited of England in Calcutta (Kolkata), Bombay (Mumbai), Madras (Chennai) and Ahmedabad. The first formal telephone service was established on 28th January, 1882 and had a total of 93 subscribers in its early stage.

 

From 1902 onwards, India drastically changed from cable telegraph to wireless telegraph, radio telegraph and trunk dialing. About 39 years ago, in 1985, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) was formed and was responsible for telecom services in the entire country.  

What is the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)?

The Department of Telecommunications, or DoT, works under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications. As discussed earlier, DoT has been in existence since 1985. It is tasked with managing matters related to communication mediums like telegraphs, telephones, wireless, data, facsimile and telematic services. Information is provided on DOT’s units, public grievances, acts, legislations, regulations, plans, telecom policy, network status, financial data, internet services, etc. Details of access services, satellite communication, infrastructure provider and telemarketing are also available.

 

The vision of DoT is to provide secure, reliable, affordable and high quality converged telecom services anytime and anywhere for an accelerated inclusive socio-economic development. 

 

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What are the Major Responsibilities undertaken by the DoT?

DoT has the following key responsibilities which help in the growth and development of the telecom sector in India:

Acts, Rules, and Regulations of the DoT

In order to regulate and monitor the different elements of the telecom sector in India, DoT ensures that certain acts and rules are followed in India. These acts and rules are mentioned below:

What are Statutory Bodies of DoT?

The statutory bodies of the Department of Telecommunication are the following:

Let’s discuss them below.

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)

TDSAT was set up, in 2000, to bring functional clarity and strengthen the regulatory framework and dispute settlement system in the telecom sector. TDSAT consists of a chairperson and 2 members that are appointed by the Government of India. This tribunal has the power to exercise jurisdiction over matters related to telecom, IT, broadcasting and airport tariff.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

TRAI was set up, in 1997, by the Act of Parliament. It is responsible for regulating telecom services such as fixation and revision of tariffs for telecom services which were previously vested in the central government. The primary objective of the TRAI is to provide a fair and transparent environment for policy which levels the playing field and helps in fair competition. 

Controller General Of Communication Accounts (CGCA) 

The Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) is an attached office of DoT. It is responsible for monitoring the functions delegated by DoT to the field offices. It is also responsible for the management of Bank Guarantees of access service licenses and carrying out their half yearly review for revision of BG amount. It is also tasked with monitoring the rationalization process of all the decentralized licenses by field units. 

What are the Functions of DoT?

Let’s discuss the functions of the Department of Telecommunications:

Conclusion

The telecommunications sector is one of the most important sectors in our country, and to ensure that this sector continues to grow and develop, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plays a crucial role. This department allows businesses to provide telecom services since it grants them a license or authorization to do so. If you need assistance in obtaining a UL VNO License, ISP License or NLD License, get in touch with Registrationwala.

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