Amazon, Flipkart & Others Delist Walkie-Talkie After Govt’s Advice
In a recent move, several e-commerce giants in India, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and others, have removed walkie-talkie listings from their websites. This decision comes after the Centre issued guidelines for the prevention of unauthorized sale of radio communication devices online. The guidelines aim to regulate the sale of walkie-talkies operating outside permitted frequency bands, which can potentially interfere with communication systems used by government bodies.
According to the guidelines issued by the Centre, only radio communication devices operating within permitted frequency bands can be sold online. The move is aimed at preventing the misuse of walkie-talkies, which can disrupt critical communication systems used by government agencies, emergency services, and other vital institutions.
The guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Communications, in consultation with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The move is seen as a step towards ensuring the security and integrity of India’s communication systems.
The guidelines mandate that only radio communication devices that operate within the frequency bands allocated by the DoT can be sold online. The frequency bands allocated for civilian use are 446.0 MHz to 446.2 MHz, 868.0 MHz to 868.2 MHz, and 921.0 MHz to 921.2 MHz. Any device operating outside these frequency bands is considered unauthorized and can potentially interfere with critical communication systems.
The e-commerce giants, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and others, have removed the flagged walkie-talkie listings from their websites in compliance with the Centre’s guidelines. The companies have also been asked to ensure that only authorized radio communication devices are sold on their platforms.
The move is seen as a major step towards regulating the online sale of radio communication devices in India. The unregulated sale of walkie-talkies has been a major concern for the government, as these devices can be misused to disrupt critical communication systems.
In recent years, there have been several instances of walkie-talkies being used to disrupt communication systems in India. In 2019, a group of miscreants used walkie-talkies to disrupt the communication systems of the Delhi Police, leading to a major embarrassment for the force. Similarly, in 2020, a group of protesters used walkie-talkies to disrupt the communication systems of the police during the anti-CAA protests in Delhi.
The Centre’s guidelines are aimed at preventing such incidents from happening in the future. By regulating the online sale of walkie-talkies, the government aims to ensure that only authorized devices are sold on e-commerce platforms.
The guidelines are also seen as a major step towards promoting the use of authorized radio communication devices in India. The use of unauthorized devices can lead to a range of issues, including interference with critical communication systems, security risks, and potential health hazards.
The Centre’s guidelines are also expected to have a major impact on the online sale of radio communication devices in India. The guidelines are expected to create a level playing field for all e-commerce platforms, ensuring that only authorized devices are sold on their platforms.
In conclusion, the Centre’s guidelines for regulating the online sale of walkie-talkies are a major step towards ensuring the security and integrity of India’s communication systems. The guidelines are aimed at preventing the misuse of walkie-talkies and promoting the use of authorized radio communication devices in India.
