Modi govt 2.0: Data protection law to be top priority, 5G spectrum auction this year

Newly-appointed communications and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday talked about a need for more synergies between telecom and the IT ministries in order to achieve an inclusive Digital India. Prasad said the auction of spectrum for various bands, including that for 5G, will be conducted in the current calendar year. However, the minister observed there is a set process for pricing spectrum and did not comment on whether prices will be lowered for 5G airwaves.

Prasad, who also assumed the charge of the IT ministry, said the government would prioritise the notification of the data protection law as also the revised social media rules. The minister said social media companies were welcome to operate in the country but needed to follow Indian rules.