PANAJI
Five years after introducing the Goa Telecom Infrastructure Policy, 2020, the State government has withdrawn it with retrospective effect, following the adoption of the Union government’s Telecommunications Right of Way (RoW) Rules, 2024, from January 1, 2025.
“The policy dated August 14, 2020, as amended on April 10, 2023, stands withdrawn with effect from December 31, 2024, by operation of law to give way to the new Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, with effect from January 1, 2025,” stated a notification issued by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, enacted by Parliament, came into force on June 26, 2024. The subsequent Telecommunications Right of Way (RoW) Rules, 2024, replaced the earlier State policy from January 1, 2025, introducing new provisions to expedite telecom infrastructure rollout, enhance connectivity, and reduce procedural delays.
“All State government departments, urban and local bodies, and government corporations in Goa must implement the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (effective from June 26, 2024) and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 (effective from January 1, 2025),” it further stated.
The State government said the swift adoption of these rules was necessary to facilitate the rapid expansion of telecom infrastructure, improve connectivity, and streamline financial processes.
“Considering the importance of implementing these rules in the State of Goa, it is necessary to adopt and enforce them swiftly... the Government of Goa has decided to facilitate the rapid expansion of telecommunication infrastructure, improve connectivity, and streamline financial aspects...” it said, explaining the government has thus decided to discontinue with the 2020 policy.
