SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The leading telecom operators in India have demanded urgent action by the Department of Telecom (DoT) to put a halt to implementation of e-waste management rules, which in turn may cause huge cost burden to them.
As per notification issued in November last year, telecom and broadcasting equipment will also come under the purview of electronic waste rules with effect from 1st April, 2023. The new rule would require telecommunication companies to remove older active infrastructure equipment from telecom towers.
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The network providing 2G services serves nearly 200 million customers in the country. The network runs with equipment that are more than 15 years old, which now needs to be replaced as per the rule. However, it is very difficult to get replacement for such devices, the companies noted. They warned that 2G services, which mainly serves rural customers, are likely to be impacted due to the decision. In addition, they are likely to impact existing 4G networks and future 5G networks, whose deployment is already underway.
The telecom majors noted that the rules were issued without addressing the concerns of the industry.
Further, they noted that the 60% collection target for recycling of used equipment by end-FY25 and 80% by end-FY28 are practically impossible to meet.
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