Telegraphy and Regulations: Notice of Expiry of Wireless Receiving Licence

A scan from the Archives at NCBS shows an old form printed on a yellowing piece of paper. The print atop reads: Indian Post and Telegaphs Department. Notice of Expiry of Wireless Receiving Licence Reminder. The text on the note is transcribed in more detail in the text below.

In the Archives at NCBS, traces of the strict regulations that applied to telegraphy can be found. For example, a "Notice of Expiry of Wireless Receiving Licence Reminder" archived under MS-024-6-5-23-35 states: "Your attention is drawn to the previous reminder of the expiry of your wireless receiving licence. The working or the possession of wireless apparatus is an offence which is punishable by a fine and confiscation of the apparatus. According to the records in this Department you licence has not been renewed and you are now requested under the provisions of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, to return the attached re-ly card duly completed by the 15th. - - - failing which action under the said Section will have to be resorted to. No stamp on the reply portion of this card is necessary." How was telegraphy regulated under colonial rule and in independent India? On the recommendation of Parvathy Venukuttan, I reached out to P Arun who agreed to an email interview. In this interview, Arun offers deeper insights into the connections between telegraphy and internet surveillance.