Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Telangana Adopts Telecom Act, Bars Property Taxes on Networks
Telangana has adopted new national rules for building and protecting telecom networks.
These rules replace the state’s earlier Right of Way orders from 2021.
Local authorities cannot charge property tax or similar fees on telecom equipment placed on, above or below land.
Applications to install telecom infrastructure must now go through an online government portal.
Government offices and local bodies must appoint officers to manage these applications.
BharatNet projects will not have to pay certain charges for using public property.
Workers must use the Call Before u Dig app before digging.
Damaging important telecom equipment can lead to prison, a large fine, or both.
The state will regularly review progress and clear pending applications by September 30, 2026.
Telangana adopted the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.
Municipalities and local bodies cannot levy property tax, cess, fees or other duties on telecom networks.
All Right of Way applications must be submitted and processed through the Department of Telecommunications portal.
BharatNet infrastructure on public property will be exempt from fees, rent, annuities and bank guarantees.
The Call Before u Dig app is mandatory, with major infrastructure damage punishable by imprisonment, fines or both.
- Who
- The Telangana state government, municipalities, local bodies, telecom operators and public agencies are affected.
- What
- Telangana adopted the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and new Right of Way rules while removing taxes and charges on telecom networks.
- When
- The orders were issued on Saturday; pending applications up to March 31, 2026, must be cleared by September 30, 2026.
- Where
- Across Telangana, including its municipalities, corporations, gram panchayats and other public authorities.
- Why
- To implement the Central law uniformly, speed up Right of Way approvals and protect underground telecom infrastructure.
- State order
- Government Order Ms. No. 3 issued by Telangana’s Information Technology, Electronics and Communications department.
- New framework
- Telecommunications Act, 2023, and Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.
- Tax exemption
- Telecom networks on, over or under property cannot be included in property-tax assessments or charged related levies.
- Online processing
- All Right of Way applications must be processed exclusively through the Department of Telecommunications Telecom e-Services portal.
- BharatNet relief
- Public entities cannot charge BharatNet implementing agencies or contractors fees, rent, annuity or bank guarantees for infrastructure on public property.
- Excavation rule
- The Call Before u Dig app is mandatory for all excavation work.
- Maximum penalty
- Damage to critical telecom infrastructure may bring up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹2 crore, or both.
- Review deadlines
- Nodal officers must be onboarded within 30 days, while pending applications must be cleared by September 30, 2026.