No approval from authorities required for laying telecom infra on pvt properties

New Delhi: Telecom companies will not require any approval from authorities for laying cables or installing mobile towers or poles over private properties, according to new Right of Way Rules notified by the government recently. The government also notified rules for using electric poles, foot over bridges etc for installation of small mobile radio antennas or laying overhead telecom cables along with charges to ease roll out of telecom networks specially 5G services.

“Where the licensee proposes the establishment of overground telegraph infrastructure over any private property, the licensee shall not require any permission from the appropriate authority,” the notification dated August 17 said.

However, the telecom companies will need to submit an intimation, in writing, to the appropriate authority, prior to the establishment of a mobile tower or pole over a private building or structure, according to the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2022.