(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the functions of the Authority shall be to—
(a) ensure technical compatibility and effective inter-relationship between different service providers;
(b) regulate arrangement amongst service providers of sharing their revenue derived from providing telecommunication services;
(c) ensure compliance of licence conditions by all service providers;
(d) lay down and ensure the time period for providing local and long distance circuits of telecommunication between different service providers;
(e) facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunication services so as to facilitate growth in such services;
(f) protect the interest of the consumers of telecommunication service;
(g) settle disputes between service providers;
13 of 1885.
Sue. 1| THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 5 (A) render advice to the Central Government in the matters relating to the development of telecommunication technology and any other matter relatable to telecommunication industry in general;
(0 levy fees at such rates and in respect of such services as may be determined by regulations;
(j) ensure effective compliance of universal service obligations;
(k) perform such other functions, including such administrative and financial functions, as may be entrusted to it by the Government or as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Ordinance.
13 of 1885. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Authority may, from time to time, by order, notify the rates at which the telecommunication services within India and outside India shall be provided under (his Ordinance including the rates at which messages shall be transmitted to any country outside India.
(3) While discharging its functions under sub-section (1), the Authority shall not act against the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality.
(4) The Authority shall ensure transparency while exercising its powers and discharging its functions.