ITV

Category: Regulators

  • TRAI releases Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth amendment) Regulations, 2024

    TRAI releases Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth amendment) Regulations, 2024

    Mumbai:  The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth amendment) Regulations, 2024.

    Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2009 (8 of 2009) issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India laid down the regulatory framework for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in the country. Till date eight amendments of the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2009 have been issued.

    In the recent past, DoT, through its various communications to TRAI, made certain suggestions in respect of regulatory framework for Mobile Number Portability. Keeping in view the suggestion of DoT, the Authority on 27 September 2023 issued Draft Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth amendment) Regulations, 2023, for consultation with the stakeholders. Written comments on the issues raised in the draft amendment regulations were invited from the stakeholders by 25 October 2023. Thereafter on the request of stakeholders, the last date for submission of the comments was extended up to 8 November 2023. In response, 13 comments were received from the stakeholders. An Open House Discussion was convened with stakeholders on 22 February 2024 through video conferencing.

    These amendment regulations are aimed at curbing the practice of porting of mobile numbers by way of fraudulent SIM swap or replacement by unscrupulous elements. Through these amendment regulations, an additional criterion for rejection of the request for allocation of UPC has been introduced. Specifically, the UPC should not be allocated if the request for UPC has been made before the expiry of seven days from the date of SIM swap or replacement of the mobile number. 

  • India govt bans 18 OTTs and other platforms over pornographic content

    India govt bans 18 OTTs and other platforms over pornographic content

    Mumbai: In coordination with various intermediaries, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) on 14 March 2024, blocked 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 apps (seven on Google Play Store, three on Apple App Store), and 57 social media handles associated with OTT platforms. This action was taken due to the publishing of obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic content.

    The banned OTT platforms are: Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, and Prime Play.

    The ban, imposed under the Information Technology Act, 2000, follows consultations “with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights,” according to a ministry release.

    Regarding the content on these platforms, the government stated, “A significant portion of the content hosted on these platforms was found to be obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner.”

    Commenting on the nature of the content available on these platforms, the government added, “It depicted nudity and sexual acts in various inappropriate contexts, such as relationships between teachers and students, incestuous family relationships, etc.”

    Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur has stressed the importance for platforms to refrain from promoting obscenity, vulgarity, and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’.

  • TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Service in Indian Telecommunication Network’

    TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Service in Indian Telecommunication Network’

    Mumbai:  The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on ‘Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Service in Indian Telecommunication Network’. Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through a letter dated 21 March 2022 requested TRAI to submit its recommendations under Section 11(1) (a) of TRAT Act, 1997 (as amended) on introducing the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) facility in Indian Telecommunications Network.

    In this regard, TRAI issued a Consultation Paper on ‘Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) in Telecommunication Networks’ on 29 November 2022, for soliciting comments and counter comments of stakeholders. In response, 40 stakeholders submitted their comments, and five stakeholders furnished their counter comments. An Open House Discussion on the consultation paper was held on 9 March 2023, through virtual mode.

    Based on the comments and inputs received from stakeholders and on its own analysis, TRAI has finalised its Recommendations on ‘Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Service in Indian Telecommunication Network’. The salient features of the Recommendations are as follows:

    a. Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Supplementary Service should be introduced in the Indian telecommunication network.

    b. Calling Line Identification (CLI) should be redefined as identity of the calling/originating subscriber in terms of telephone number assigned as per E.164 of 1TU Recommendation/IP Address and the Calling name (CNAM) or any other identification as may be prescribed by the Licensor from time to time.

    c. All access service providers should provide Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) supplementary service to their telephone subscribers upon their request.

    d. The name identity information provided by the telephone subscriber in the Customer Application Form (CAF) should be used for the purpose of CNAP.

    e. A technical model for implementation of CNAP in Indian telecommunication network has been outlined.

    f. After acceptance of the recommendations, the Government should issue appropriate instructions for making CNAP feature available in all devices sold in India after a suitable cut-off date.

    g. The subscriber entities holding bulk connections and business connections should be given the facility of presenting their ‘preferred name’ in place of the name appearing in the Customer Application Form (CAF).

    h. The ‘preferred name’ could be the ‘trademark name’ registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, or the ‘trade name’ registered with the GST Council, or any other such unique name duly registered with the Government, provided that the subscriber entity is able to present the necessary documents to prove the ownership of such name. 

  • TRAI delegation attends GSMA Mobile World Congress in Spain

    TRAI delegation attends GSMA Mobile World Congress in Spain

    Mumbai: A high-level TRAI delegation led by TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti participated in the GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC-24) held at Barcelona, Spain. The chairman was accompanied by member Meenakshi Gupta, secretary V Raghunandan, and advisor Vandana Sethi.

    This annual GSMA Ministerial Programme is the world’s leading forum for policymakers and global industry leaders from across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries to convene in pursuit of building a stronger digital future for all. This year, 196 delegations represented 151 countries and 45 intergovernmental organisations participated in the event and shared experience, identifying best practice and fostering partnerships to drive a digital and green transition across all sectors of their economies.

    The event focused on current priority topics, such as 5G expansion, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, and climate action – to fuel the growth of our digital economies and societies. In addition, a new focus stage will delve deeper into the topics and challenges that are dominating globally.

    TRAI chairman AK Lahoti participated in the high-level panel in the session titled “Unlocking Opportunity through Digital Inclusion”, which is a part of prestigious ministerial stage program. He shared his views on the importance of digital inclusion for nation’s overall socio-economic growth and the initiatives taken in India for digital inclusion.

    TRAI member Meenakshi Gupta participated in the roundtable discussions titled ‘Women Leaders Roundtable’ and ‘Digital Nations in Asia Pacific: Shaping the Future through Strategic Policy and Collaboration’.

    TRAI delegation visited technology demos of leading technology companies who had their pavilions at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2024. The delegation also had bilateral meetings with international regulators at the sidelines of the event.

    One of the important highlights of this visit was signing of a bilateral agreement in the form of Letter of Intent (Lol) with South African Regulator ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) which was signed on 27 February 2024. The main objective of this Lol is to strengthen the existing bilateral relations between two regulators in the areas of regulation of telecommunications markets, Consumer protection in relation to telecommunication services, promotion of technical innovation in the telecommunications field, international cooperation especially in the framework of ITU, ICT Regulatory framework in sustainable smart cities, regulatory framework for M2M communications etc.

  • TRAI empanels nine audit agencies to ensure accuracy of metering and billing systems

    TRAI empanels nine audit agencies to ensure accuracy of metering and billing systems

    Mumbai: In compliance with the Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulation, 2023, dated 11 September, 2023, and corresponding guidelines issued on 19 September 2023, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) is set to initiate an audit of the accuracy of metering and billing systems for service providers.

    TRAI has officially empaneled nine audit agencies to conduct audits on the accuracy of metering and billing systems of service providers. This three-year partnership, effective from 22 February 2024, will cover the audit for the financial year 2024-25 and subsequent years. The initiative aligns with the Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulation 2023 (03 of 2023) dated 11 September 2023, and all subsequent amendments, as well as guidelines and checklists issued by the Authority.

    All companies are urged to appoint their auditors by 31 March 2024, ensuring the accuracy of the metering and billing systems for the financial year 2024-25. Notifications of the appointed auditor should be communicated to TRAI for record-keeping.

  • TRAI Conducted Drive Test across cities to access telecom network quality

    TRAI Conducted Drive Test across cities to access telecom network quality

    Mumbai: TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) with the assistance of the Telecom Service Providers, conducted Drive Tests at twenty cities, their surrounding areas and highways namely: Vellore, Kadapa, Berhampur, Thiruvananthapuram, Raigad, Bengaluru, Bhagalpur & Munger, Dibrugarh-Sivasagar-Tinsukia, Kalimpong-Jalpaiguri-Alipurdwar, PatnaMuzaffarpur-Motihari, Ajmer & Pushkar, Karnal, Moga, Korba, Sagar, Jaipur-Pushkar HW, Panipat- Ambala HW, Ja11andhar-Moga HW, Sagar-Lakhnadan HW and Korba-Raipur HW, in the quarter ending September 2023.

    The Drive tests were conducted to assess the cellular/ mobile network quality of service provided by telecom service providers, for voice and data services. The details of cities and LSAs wherein drive tests conducted, are given below.

    Location                           Licensed Service Area (LSA) 1.
    Vellore                              Tamilnadu
    Kadapa                              Andhra Pradesh
    Berhampur                       Odisha
    Thiruvananthapuram      Kerala
    Raigad                                Maharashtra
    Bengaluru                          Karnataka
    Bhagalpur-                        Munger Bihar
    Dibrugarh-                        Sivasagar- Tinsukia Assam
    Kalimpong-                       Jalpaiguri- Alipurdwar West Bengal
    Patna-                                Muzaffarpur-Motihari Bihar
    Ajmer-                                Pushkar Rajasthan
    Karnal                                 Haryana
    Moga                                  Punjab
    Korba                                 Madhya Pradesh
    Sagar                                  Madhya Pradesh
    Jaipur-                                Pushkar HW Rajasthan
    Panipat-                             Ambala HW Haryana 1
    Jalandhar-                         Moga HW Punjab
    Sagar-                               Lakhnadan HW Madhya Pradesh
    Korba-                              Raipur HW Madhya Pradesh.

    The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) assessed for the network includes the following: I) for voice service: Coverage; Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR); Drop Call Rate; Block Call Rate, Handover Success Rate; Rx Quality. ii) For data services: Download and Upload Throughputs, Web Browsing Delay, Video Streaming Delay and Latency.

    The complete report is available at TRAI website www.analytics.trai,gov.in .

  • MIB invites comments on the guidelines of accessibility standards for disability audiences.

    MIB invites comments on the guidelines of accessibility standards for disability audiences.

    Mumbai: MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) issued a notification concerning section 29, section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. MIB asked for comments or feedback from general people on the announcement of a new mandate for content access to persons with disabilities.

    Mandate asked the government to take appropriate measures and initiatives for  accessibility for content, films, and universal access for promoting interest and preserving human rights. The government issued guidelines for accessibility standards in the public exhibition of feature films in cinemas for people with hearing and visual impairment.

    These guidelines are mandatory for cinema entities and theatres to follow from 10 January 2024. The film which is certified by CBFC ( Central Board of Film Certification) is mandatory to take this measure to promote global accessibility for the content.

    The focus of these guidelines is also on information and assistive devices needed by persons with disabilities to enjoy the content. The effective date is applicable from the date of the notification.

    The accessibility feature mandate depends on principles of health, education, human rights, fundamental freedom, availability, advocacy, and affordability. According to the mandate, films must arrange special shows for people with disabilities as prescribed in the notification. This film or content should enclose a subtitle, audio description, captioning, and technical specialties for the betterment of disabled persons.

    It is also mandatory for film producers to deliver two sets of films for certification to CBFC, one is for public view and the second is for accessibility features for disabilities. Film exhibitors are also entitled to provision accessibility features to disabilities. As per the mandate, providing a minimum of two pieces of equipment per 200 seats.

    As per the 2011 Census, Out of the total population, 2.21 per cent of the population is disabled out of which 19 per cent persons have vision disability and 19 per cent people with hearing disability in hearing. These new regulations will be inclusive of accessibility for social, and cultural well-being.

  • BSNL focusing on increasing 20 per cent market share – Report

    BSNL focusing on increasing 20 per cent market share – Report

    Mumbai: As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) latest data, BSNL held lost market share in the country by year-end. According to media reports, BSNL is losing subscribers hence it is targeting 20 per cent of mobile subscribers in the country.

    The BSNL planned to roll out 4G services this year, also focusing on the quality of the network along with frequency and speed.

    According to media reports, BSNL chairman and managing director P K Purwar said, ‘ Company aims for 20 per cent subscribers is practically possible. It depends on the quality of our services and how fast we roll out 4 G, and 5 G services. Customers are looking forward to our 4 G services. People have trust in BSNL. We are upgrading our services.’

    In the last financial year, TRAI data highlighted the loss of subscribers of BSNL. Data specified by TRAI on 3 January indicate Jio and Airtel’s dominance in the market segment with 39.3 per cent and 32.85 per cent respectively. It is followed by Vodafone Idea at 19.6 per cent.

    BSNL planned to expand its telecom 4 G services on 1 Lac base transceiver stations. (BTSs). BSNL also has plans to roll out 5 G services in 2025.

    Recently IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav in the BSNL event also emphasised the growth of BSNL services saying, ‘In June and July this year, 4 G services will be expanded to 50000 towers.’

  • Tanla appoints former TRAI chairman R S Sharma to BOD

    Tanla appoints former TRAI chairman R S Sharma to BOD

    Mumbai: One of India’s CPAAS Players, Tanla announced RS Sharma to facilitate the BOD ( Board of Directors). The BOD number of directors increases to 7 including Sharma.

    While expressing happiness on the appointment of Dr. Sharma appointment, founder and chairman Uday Reddy said, ‘ Dr. Sharma’s incredible vision and track record in India’s digital transformation journey makes him an invaluable addition to Tanla’s August board. We are excited to learn from his pioneering experiences and advice for the continued success of Tanla Platforms globally.’

    He was the chairman of TRAI ( Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) from 2015 to 2020. He had unparalleled work on taking new initiatives in Technologies and transformation.

    Speaking on the appointment as Director at Tanla Dr R S Sharma said, ‘Tanla is adept at harnessing disruptive technologies. And I see how they have innovated to foster trust in the CPaas ecosystem. Joining the board of such a forward-thinking technology company is really an opportunity to contribute to nation-building. ‘

    His tenure was marked by initiatives promoting net neutrality and consumer rights. He worked on many government initiatives and projects for the betterment of consumers

  • The monthly growth rate of subscribers is 0.37 per cent – TRAI

    The monthly growth rate of subscribers is 0.37 per cent – TRAI

    Mumbai: According to the recent TRAI ( Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) data release, total broadband subscribers increased in October 2023 to 1115 from 1108 operators in September 2023. The total broadband subscribers increased to 885 million in September 2023 whereas at the end of October 2023 was 888.27 million. The monthly growth rate of monthly subscribers is 0.37 per cent as per data provided by telecom services providers to TRAI.

    On 30 September 2023, wired subscribers were 36.87 million which increased by 1.32 per cent in October 2023 sized around 37. 35 per cent. The mobile and dongle users category also increased by 0.33 per cent from 847 million on September 23 to 849.97 million by October 23.

    In the category of fixed wireless subscribers, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, point-to-point radio & V SAT was 0.97 per cent on September 23 which decreased by 0.95 per cent. Concluding a total number of user base it increased sharply by 0.37 per cent from 885 million on September 23 to October 23 to 888.27 million.

    A total of five service providers represented 98.35 per cent of market share at the end of October 23 including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, BSNL, and Atria Convergence.

    Market shares represented by each company separately –

    1) Reliance Jio – 462. 34 million

    2) Bharti Airtel – 252.25 million

    3) Vodafone Idea – 125. 68 million

    4) BSNL – 25. 09 million

    5) Atria Convergence – 2.21 million

    Wireline subscribers also increased from 30.97 million at the end of September 23 to 31.33 million in October 2023. The net increase in the wireline subscribers base is increased with a growth rate of 1.13 per cent. Currently, BSNL, MTNL, APSFL, and three PSUs are mainstream wireline service providers. The total number of market shares held by these 3 companies is 29.02 per cent.

    Currently, in the era of rapid digital transformation, Wireless subscribers increased from 1150.15 million at the September 23 end. Particularly in urban areas, the subscription base increased from 630.17 million and wireless subscriptions in rural areas also increased from 519. 99 million to 520.62 million at the same time. The growth rate of urban and rural wireless subscriptions was 0.003 per cent and 0.12 per cent respectively.

    Except for Uttar Pradesh, North East, J & K, Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat, Kolkata, and Himachal Pradesh, the rest Indian states showed growth in wireless subscribers. Telephone subscribers also increased from 1181.13 million on September 23 to 1182.31 million at the end of October 23.  Urban telephone subscriptions have also increased from 658. 46 million to 658.99 million at the end of October 23.

    The rural subscription has also increased from 532.65 million to 523. 32 million which is a 0.008 per cent increase in subscription base. As per TRAI data release Bharti Airtel has the maximum proportion of 99.16 per cent of its active wireless subscribers ( VLR) as against total wireless subscribers (HLR) in October 2023. The minimal proportion of VLR is 26.80 per cent of its HLE during the same period.