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Category: Telecom

  • Reliance Jio adds 3.28 mn wireless subscribers in August : Trai

    Reliance Jio adds 3.28 mn wireless subscribers in August : Trai

    Mumbai: As per subscription data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), Reliance Jio added 3.28 million wireless subscribers at the end of August. Bharti Airtel added 0.32 million during the same period. In August, Vodafone Idea lost 1.95 million wireless subscribers.

    The total number of wireless subscribers increased from 1,148.03 million to 1,149.11 million in August. The number of wireless subscribers in urban areas increased from 626.74 million to 627.09 million. However, wireless subscriptions in rural areas increased from 521.29 million to 522.02 million.

    As per Trai data, there were 1013.46 million active wireless subscribers during the month. Reliance Jio had the highest number of active wireless subscribers at 384.63 million, followed by Bharti Airtel at 357.66 million and Vodafone Idea at 214.29 million. BSNL had 56.23 million active wireless subscribers.

    As per information received from 767 operators in August, Trai found that total broadband subscribers increased from 807.42 million to 813.94 million. The broadband subscribers comprised 782.46 mobile device users, 30.37 million wired subscribers, and 1.11 million fixed wireless subscribers.

    The top five broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 425.80 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel (223.98 million), Vodafone Idea (123.12 million), BSNL (25.80 million), and Atria Convergence (2.13 million).

    The top five wired broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 6.56 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel (5.13 million), BSNL (3.88 million), Atria Convergence (2.13 million) and Hathway Cable & Datacom (1.13 million).

    The top five wireless broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm (419.24 million), Bharti Airtel (218.85 million), Vodafone Idea (123.12 million), BSNL (21.92 million) and Intech Online (0.23 million).

    The number of wireline subscribers increased from 25.63 million to 25.97 million in August.

    The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,173.66 million to 1,175.08.66 million. Urban telephone subscriptions increased from 650.40 million to 651.07 million. However, rural subscriptions also increased from 523.26 million to 524.01 million.

    During August, a total of 11.35 million requests were received for mobile number portability (MNP).

  • Trai extends date for stakeholder’s comments on proposed amendments to the telecommunication services interconnection regulations, 2022

    Trai extends date for stakeholder’s comments on proposed amendments to the telecommunication services interconnection regulations, 2022

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has extended the date for stakeholders’ comments and counter comments on the Draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations 2022, released on 9 September.

    Last month Trai released a consultation paper on proposed changes to the interconnection regulation 2017. The regulator has amended the regulation to include digital rights management (DRM) system requirements

    Also read : TRAI invites stakeholder’s comments on proposed amendments to the interconnection regulation 2017

    The last date for receiving written comments from the stakeholders was fixed as 7 October 2022, and counter comments, if any, by 21 October 2022.

    In view of this, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments up to 4 November 2022. Counter comments, if any, may also be submitted by 18 November, 2022. No further requests for extensions will be considered.

    The consultation paper (CP) was prepared in response to the report submitted by the Trai committee formed to investigate DRM system issues. The Trai formed a committee in response to numerous comments and suggestions from stakeholders on DRM System issues.

    Trai has proposed that IPTV service providers use a closed network to retransmit linear channels to subscriber-owned set-top boxes (STBs). It was expressly stated that IPTV would not include any electronic delivery for receipt and viewing via the internet/OTT. It also stated that IPTV linear services should not be made available over the Internet or public networks.

    The regulator also stated that IPTV transmission must be done in multicast mode only, just like cable TV transmission, and that unicast mode is not permitted. STBs with recording capabilities must have a copy protection system in place, and recorded content cannot be transferred to another device.

     

  • PM Modi launches 5G services in India

    PM Modi launches 5G services in India

    Mumbai: On Saturday, prime minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services in India at the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi.

    At the launch, while addressing the nation, Modi said that 5G technology will revolutionise the telecom sector and that it is a historic day for India in the twenty-first century. “The launch of 5G is a gift from the telecom industry to 130 crore Indians. It is a step toward a new era in the country, and is the beginning of infinite opportunities.”

    He emphasised how digital India’s success is based on four pillars, including the cost of a device, digital connectivity, data costs, and the digital first approach.

    Over the next few years, the services will gradually expand to cover the entire country. The fifth generation (5G) service, capable of supporting ultra-high-speed internet, is expected to open up new economic opportunities and societal benefits, serving as a transformative force in Indian society.

    Also read: Reliance Jio to roll out 5G services in major cities by Diwali

    “Earlier, the cost of one GB of data was about Rs 300. It has come down to about Rs 10 per GB now. On average, a person in India consumes 14 GB per month. This would have cost about Rs 4,200 per month but costs Rs 125-150. It’s the efforts of the government that led to this,” he added.

    Speaking further, Modi said, “With developments in technology and telecom, India will lead the industry’s 4.0 revolution. This is not the decade of India, but the century of India.”

    At the event, Modi was accompanied by telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, junior telecom minister Devusinh Chauhan, and Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Bharti Enterprises founder & chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Manglam Birla.

    After officially opening the show, Modi visited pavilions set up by several telecom carriers and technology providers to get a first-hand look at what 5G is capable of. He began at the Reliance Jio booths.

    Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani thanked the prime minister for inspiring the vision of a developed nation by 2047. “Every action and policy of the government is skillfully crafted to propel India towards that goal. Steps taken to fast-track India’s march into the 5G era provide compelling proof of our prime minister’s determination.”

    He narrated the possibilities of 5G in key areas like education, education, and climate change, etc. “Your leadership has raised India’s prestige, profile, and power globally like never before. In today’s fast-changing world, there will be no stopping a resurgent India from soaring to the top,” Ambani concluded.

    Bharti Enterprise chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal remarked that the launch of 5G is the beginning of a new era and since it is happening during “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” it makes it even more special. “With the efforts of the prime minister, this will usher in new energy in the country. We are fortunate to have a leader in the prime minister who understands technology very well and has deployed it to the development of the country in an unmatched manner,” he noted.

    Mittal further said that it will open up a sea of opportunities for people, especially in our rural areas. He recalled the PM’s initiatives in the fields of infrastructure and technology from his Gujarat CM days. He said that during the pandemic, traffic shifted to villages and homes and the country’s heartbeat did not stop even for a second. Credit for that goes to the digital vision. He also praised the audacity and achievement of the vision of “Make in India.” “Along with “Digital India,” the prime minister also took forward the “Start-up India” campaign and, soon enough, India started producing unicorns,” Shri Mittal added. “With the advent of 5G, I’m sure that the country will add many more unicorns to the world.”

    Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla called the advent of 5G a transformational event that proves India’s prowess on the global stage and reiterates the role of telecom technology as the bedrock of India’s growth. He thanked Modi for his vision and leadership for a generational leap in technology that has resulted in India’s making a mark on the global stage. He also thanked the PM for his inspirational role in supporting the telecom industry during the ongoing pandemic and for the path-breaking telecom reforms in the industry.

    Birla said that the launch of 5G marks the beginning of an exciting journey for India. “We will see limitless potential for 5G development and use cases in the years to come,” he added.

    Reliance Jio connected a teacher from a school in Mumbai with students in three different locations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha.

    The Vodafone Idea test case demonstrated the safety of workers in an under-construction tunnel of the Delhi Metro through the creation of a ‘Digital-Twin’ of the tunnel on the dias.

    In the Airtel demo, students from Dankaur, Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a lively and immersive educational experience to learn about the solar system with the help of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

  • Reliance Jio adds 2.9 mn wireless subscribers in July: Trai

    Reliance Jio adds 2.9 mn wireless subscribers in July: Trai

    Mumbai: Reliance Jio added 2.9 million wireless subscribers at the end of July, as per subscription data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). Bharti Airtel added 0.51 million wireless subscribers during the same period. Vodafone Idea lost 1.54 wireless subscribers in July.

    The total number of wireless subscribers increased from 1,147.39 to 1,148.03 million in July. The number of wireless subscribers in urban areas decreased from 625.49 million to 626.74 million. However, wireless subscriptions in rural areas increased from 521.90 million to 521.29 million.

    As per Trai data, there were 1,013.18 million active wireless subscribers during the month. Reliance Jio had the highest number of active wireless subscribers at 382.17 million, followed by Bharti Airtel at 356.17 million and Vodafone Idea at 216.92 million. BSNL had 52.27 active wireless subscribers.

    As per information received from 694 operators in July, Trai found that total broadband subscribers increased from 800.94 million to 807.42 million. The broadband subscribers comprised 776.81 mobile device users, 29.47 million wired subscribers, and 1.14 million fixed wireless subscribers.

    The top five broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 422.23 million subscribers, Bharti Airtel with 222.12 million subscribers, Vodafone Idea with 122.98 million subscribers, BSNL with 25.25 million subscribers, and Atria Convergence with 2.13 million subscribers.

    The top five wired broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 6.27 million subscribers, Bharti Airtel with 4.99 million subscribers, BSNL with 3.85 million subscribers, Atria Convergence with 2.13 million subscribers, and Hathway Cable and Datacom with 1.13 million subscribers.

    The top five wireless broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm with 415.96 million, Bharti Airtel with 217.13 million, Vodafone Idea with 122.97 million, BSNL with 21.39 million, and Intech Online with 0.22 million.

    The number of wireline subscribers increased from 25.57 million to 25.63 million in July.

    The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,172.96 million to 1,173.66 million. Urban telephone subscriptions increased from 649.09 million to 650.40 million. However, rural subscriptions decreased from 523.87 million to 523.26 million.

    During July, a total of 10.23 million requests were received for mobile number portability (MNP).

  • TRAI invites stakeholder’s comments on proposed amendments to the interconnection regulation 2017

    TRAI invites stakeholder’s comments on proposed amendments to the interconnection regulation 2017

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a draft consultation paper to bring necessary changes in the Telecommunication (Broadcasting & Cable) services interconnection (Addressable System) Regulation, 2017. 

    Trai notified the interconnection regulation on 3 March 2017 and further its first amendment was notified on 30 October 2019. The first draft of the interconnection regulation was issued on 27 August 2019 and a proposed amendment was initiated to include Digital Rights Management System requirements (DRM).

    What is DRM?

    “DRM is a systematic approach to copyright protection for digital media. The purpose of DRM is to prevent unauthorized redistribution of digital media and restrict the ways consumers can copy content they’ve purchased,” Trai stated in a statement. 

    “DRM products were developed in response to the rapid increase in online piracy of commercially marketed material, which proliferated through the widespread use of peer-to-peer file exchange programs. Typically, DRM is implemented by embedding code that prevents copying, specifies a time period in which the content can be accessed or limits the number of devices the media can be installed on,” it stated.

    The authority also stated in a release that during its consultations, it received numerous feedback that the IPTV-based DPOs are switching to DRM technology. “It is necessary that the consultation committee covers the DRM-based networks and provides for enabling provisions for such operators,” Trai stated. 

    Trai conducted numerous consultation processes and gathered comments and suggestions from various stakeholders on this issue. Realising the concern with DRM, the authority decided to deal with DRM issues in a separate consultation paper. Trai further formed a committee to study DRM system issues. This committee prepared and submitted a report as well as the draft of ‘System Requirement for Digital Right Management (DRM)’ to the authority

    Currently, Trai has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the proposed amendment and draft of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting & Cable) services interconnection (Addressable System) Regulation, 2022, which includes the issues related to the DRM system. The stakeholders can submit their comments on the draft regulations by 7 October and counter-comments by 21 October.

  • TRAI recommends MIB should not introduce any fresh regulations in Cable TV distribution sector

    TRAI recommends MIB should not introduce any fresh regulations in Cable TV distribution sector

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) that the government should not introduce any new regulations or take any corrective measures to enhance the competition in the cable TV distribution sector.

    Trai has further requested the MIB to monitor but also intervene only at the appropriate time. However, Trai recommended, “The government may take suitable measures to facilitate & promote sharing of cable infrastructure by a local cable operator with Telecom Service Providers (TSP) to enable the last mile for provision of broadband services.”

    “The government may issue necessary amendments to existing rules/ guidelines, to enable the use of last mile infrastructure created by cable operators by TSPs for promoting broadband connections,” it wrote.

    Trai further said that the government may amend the rules under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation), Act 1995 to explicitly indicate the following:

    “Cable operators may strive to provide last mile access to Access service providers/Internet Service Providers in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner for the proliferation of broadband services.”

    On 19 February 2021, MIB sent a letter to TRAI where the government informed the authority that considerable time has passed on the recommendations on “Monopoly/Market Dominance in the Cable TV services on 26 November 2013” and the media and entertainment landscape has changed drastically since then, particularly with the advent of digital technologies in this sector. Therefore, MIB has requested Trai to provide a fresh set of recommendations for the development and expansion of the M&E sector.

    For this, Trai issued a consultation paper seeking comments from stakeholders on 25 October 2021. The date of submission for comments and counter comments was extended continuously and Trai received comments on the consultation paper from 70 stakeholders and counter comments from 7 stakeholders. (recommendations are available on Trai’s website). An open house discussion (OHD) was also held on 27 January 2022 in this regard through an online mode. After considering all comments and counter-comments received from stakeholders and further analysis of the issues, the regulator has now finalised its recommendations and issued it to the MIB.

  • Trai extends deadline for implementation of new tariff order to February next year

    Trai extends deadline for implementation of new tariff order to February next year

    Mumbai: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to extend the deadline for implementation of the new tariff order (NTO 2.0) from 30 November 2022 to 28 February 2023.

    As per the regulatory filing, the authority said, “All the distributors of television channels shall ensure that services to the subscribers, with effect from 28 February 2023, are provided as per the bouquets or channels opted by them.”

    Several representations have also been received from the stakeholders requesting an extension of the time limit for implementation of the New Regulatory Framework 2020. According to Trai’s recent notice, it stated, “All the broadcasters shall report any change in name, nature, language, MRP per month of channels, and composition and MRP of bouquets of channels by 30 November 2022, and simultaneously publish such information on their websites,” it stated.

    “The broadcasters who have already submitted their reference interconnect offers (RIO) in compliance with the New Regulatory Framework 2020 may also revise their RIOs by 30 November 2022,” it further added.

    In addition to it, Trai also said, “All distribution platform operators (DPOs) will need to submit their distributor retail price (DRP) of pay channels and bouquets & composition of bouquets of pay and free-to-air channels, by 31 December 2022 to Trai.”  

    The authority further, in compliance with the New Regulatory Framework 2020, asked DPOs to revise their already-submitted RIOs by 31 December 2022. 

    After receiving comments and counter comments from the stakeholders on the consultation paper, TRAI was to conduct an open house discussion (OHD) on 21 July 2022, which is now scheduled to take place on 8 September 2022.

    New Tariff Order

    When NTO was first introduced and gave customers the option to select channels à la carte, the price of entertainment increased, forcing Trai to modify its order. In January 2020, NTO 2.0 was introduced, capping the price of a bouquet channel at Rs 12 as opposed to Rs 19. This was not supported by any logical justification or consumer insight, according to the Indian Broadcasting Digital Foundation (IBDF), a unified representative body of Indian television broadcasters.

    Broadcasters have resisted the new tariff order vigorously and reacted by removing premium channels from bouquets and increasing their prices from Rs 20 to Rs 30 after losing the legal battle to overturn the Trai order in both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court.

    Cable operators were compelled to ask the regulator to postpone the implementation of NTO 2.0 as a result of major broadcasters like Star, Zee, Sony, and Viacom18 choosing to raise the MRP of their well-liked channels and keep them out of bouquets. For instance, the All India Digital Cable Federation had urged Trai to reconsider the order’s provisions in light of the sustainability aspect of putting this framework into place.

  • Telecom companies pay DoT Rs 17,876 crore up front for 5G spectrum

    Telecom companies pay DoT Rs 17,876 crore up front for 5G spectrum

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Adani Data Networks, and Vodafone Idea have paid the department of telecom an upfront sum of about Rs 17,876 crore for the spectrum they recently won in an auction.

    DoT has received a total payment of approximately Rs 17,876 crore. Only Bharti Airtel has made full payment for four annual instalments. Reliance Jio has made payments of Rs 7,864.78 crore, Vodafone Idea paid Rs 1,679.98 crore, and Adani Data Networks paid Rs 18.94 crore.

    Bharti Airtel has paid Rs 8,312.4 crore, or four annual instalments, while all telecom operators have chosen to pay in 20 annual instalments.

    With a bid of Rs 87,946.93 crore, Mukesh Ambani’s Jio secured nearly half of the airwaves sold in the nation’s largest-ever auction of telecom spectrum, which attracted bids totaling a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

    Gautam Adani’s group has bid Rs 211.86 crore for 400 MHz in a band that is not used for providing public telephony services.

    Bharti Airtel, owned by telecom tycoon Sunil Bharti Mittal, submitted a winning bid of Rs 43,039.63 crore, and Vodafone Idea purchased spectrum for Rs 18,786.25 crore.

  • Reliance Jio adds 4.2 million mobile subscribers in June: Trai

    Reliance Jio adds 4.2 million mobile subscribers in June: Trai

    Mumbai: Reliance Jio added 4.2 million mobile subscribers in the month of June, followed by Bharti Airtel at 0.7 million, as per subscription data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). Vodafone Idea lost 1.8 million subscribers during the same period.

    The total number of mobile subscribers increased from 1,145.50 million to 1,147.39 million, registering a growth of 0.16 per cent. Wireless subscriptions in cities increased from 624.55 million to 625.49 million, while rural subscriptions increased from 520.96 million to 521.90 million.

    There were a total of 1,017.56 active mobile subscribers (VLR subscribers) during the month. Reliance Jio had the greatest number of VLR subscribers at 383.24 million, followed by Bharti Airtel at 357.21 million and Vodafone Idea at 218.67 million.

    As per data received from 666 operators in June, the total broadband subscribers increased from 794.68 million to 800.94 million. Out of which, 28.71 million were wired subscribers; 771.13 million were mobile device users; and 1.10 million were fixed broadband users.

    The top five wired broadband service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm at 6.16 million, followed by Bharti Airtel at 4.85 million, BSNL at 3.84 million, Atria Convergence Technologies at 2.11 million, and Hathway Cable and Datacom at 1.11 million subscribers.

    The top five service providers constituted 98.47 per cent of the total broadband subscribers at the end of June. These service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm at 419.17 million, followed by Bharti Airtel at 219.41 million, Vodafone Idea at 122.96 million, BSNL at 25.02 million, and Atria Convergence at 2.11 million.

    The total number of wireline subscribers increased from 25.23 million to 25.57 million in June.

    The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,170.73 million to 1,172.96 million, thereby showing a monthly growth rate of 0.19 per cent.

    Urban subscriptions grew from 647.81 million to 649.09 million, and rural subscriptions grew from 522.92 million to 523.87 million.

    In the month of June, 9.02 million subscribers submitted their requests for mobile number portability (MNP). With this, the cumulative MNP requests increased from 705.54 million at the end of May to 714.56 million at the end of June since the implementation of MNP. The number of active wireless subscribers in June was 1,017.56 million.

  • Trai extends deadline to receive stakeholder comments on ‘renewal of MSO registration’ consultation paper

    Trai extends deadline to receive stakeholder comments on ‘renewal of MSO registration’ consultation paper

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has extended the deadline to receive comments & counter comments on the consultation paper ‘renewal of multi-system operators (MSOs) registration’. Stakeholders can submit their written comments by 24 August and their counter comments by 31 August.

    Trai decided to delay the deadline after stakeholders sought an extension of time for sending their comments on the consultation paper, however, no further requests for extension would be considered, it said.

    The consultation paper seeks the comments of MSOs on relevant issues about renewal of MSO registration including the quantum fee to be paid for such renewal.

    The key issues addressed in the consultation paper are 1) what should be the qualifying conditions, if any, to be prescribed for MSO renewal? 2) list of necessary compliances for renewal of MSO registration 3) period of renewal 4) whether a one-time fee should be levied at the time of renewal? 5) should there be a window to apply for renewal before expiry of MSO registration? 6) provision to ensure continuity of service to consumers on expiry of registration.

    The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) plans to revise the policy guidelines regarding the renewal period of MSOs to maintain uniformity with the direct-to-home (DTH) and broadcasting sector. It has proposed to keep the renewal period for MSO registration after every ten years.

    Also Read: MIB proposes to introduce policy guidelines for renewal of registered MSO and HITS operators