BY ALEX DADAMU
BILLS and Legislative Committee Chairman, Honorable John Maneniaru has stated that the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2021 will require many amendments as it has so many errors.
Hon. Maneniaru comments come after the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) conducted consultations with the Director of Communications, Alwin Danitofea, and Deputy Secretary, Luke Mua of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation including a Legal Drafts Lady from Attorney General Chambers (AG).
According to Hon. Maneniaru, his Committee recommends the host ministry withdraw the bill at this stage so it can be properly drafted according to its legal and policy objectives. However, the committee resolved to adjourn the hearing to Monday 19 July 2021. This is to allow the Ministry of Communication to respond back to the committee on its request.
“The response from the Ministry of Communication & Aviation will determine whether the committee will proceed on with the hearings or to conclude it,” Hon. Maneniaru said.
He further explained that the bill in its current form has some legal and policy issues that need consideration first before they can proceed on with the hearing.
Meanwhile, a statement by National Parliament Media clarified that the Bill has been introduced on the floor of Parliament in its first reading, and can only be withdrawn through the same process as stipulated in Standing Order 59.
“Standing Order 59 reads, “The Member in charge of a Bill may, at the beginning of the proceedings on a Bill at a sitting, announce that he withdraws the Bill. And such Bill shall thereupon stand withdrawn and no further proceedings shall be taken on it,” the statement quoted.
The Bill seeks to amend relevant provisions of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106) (TO) to implement measures proposed in the Review of Telecommunications Regulatory Framework to cater for the application and development of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) services.
Key amendments as included in the Bill are as follows:
- Regulation of telecommunications functions of telecommunications equipment and devices
- Protection of underground telecommunications infrastructure
- Simplifying the issuance of non-carrier licences regulation of such services by the authority; and
- Improving the appeal mechanism under the TO
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for First and Second Readings on July 14 this year.
