Goa IT dept designated to issue right of way NOCs

The state cabinet on Wednesday designated the department of information technology, electronics, and communications (DITE&C) as the issuer of all permissions/NOCs under the Telecommunications Right of Way (RoW) Rules, 2024.

The rules allow telecom service providers to put up infrastructure, such as cables and towers, on public or private property.

State government directed all other line departments to conduct surveys, prepare reports, and submit them to DITE&C for processing the permissions/NOCs for telecommunication infrastructure on the RoW eServices Portal developed by the Centre, within the RoW Rules’ deadline.

The new Telecommunications Act, 2023, was enacted by Parliament and came into effect on June 26, 2024. Subsequently, Telecommunications Right of Way Rules, 2024, were enacted and came into force on January 1, 2025.

The new rules replace the previous rules/policy and introduce new regulatory provisions. These rules aim to help in speeding up the expansion of telecommunication infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and reducing procedural delays.

The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, was replaced by the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016, were replaced by Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.

The Goa Telecom Infrastructure Policy, 2020, becomes infructuous by virtue of the act.

Considering the importance of implementing the directions in Goa, state government adopted the new Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.

The Goa Telecom Infrastructure Policy, 2020, stands withdrawn by the operation of law to give way to the new Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.

All state government departments, urban and local bodies, and government corporations in the state must implement the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.