It gives the Government of India exclusive jurisdiction and privileges for establishing, maintaining, operating, licensing and oversight of all forms of wired and wireless communications within Indian territory.

It also authorizes government law enforcement agencies to monitor/intercept communications and tap phone lines under conditions defined within the Indian Constitution.

[3] The telegraph had become, in the intervening thirty years, an important tool for British dominion over India by quelling rebellions and consolidating information.

[6][7][8][9] Following the Mumbai terror attacks in 2011, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) banned the use of Thuraya and Iridium satellite phones and infrastructure in 2012;[10] restrictions were already in place in 2010, for similar reasons, under provisions in the Indian Telegraph Act.

Circular No.37 / 2010-Customs states that "satellite phone declared to Customs shall be allowed clearance subject to production of permission for use from DoT, Government of India."

Foreign passport holders can apply for reciprocal Indian licences based upon a valid amateur radio call-sign from their country of residence.

[25] Signal acquisition of any category within the radio spectrum outside of public licence-free broadcast frequencies needs approval from Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing of the DoT.