ITV

Category: Regulators

  • TRAI intensifies crackdown on spam calls & SMS abuse

    TRAI intensifies crackdown on spam calls & SMS abuse

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken significant measures to curb the menace of spam calls and prevent the misuse of SMS headers and content templates by unscrupulous elements in forwarding malicious / fraudulent messages. These measures are aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring a clean and secure messaging ecosystem.

    Key actions taken:

    Stringent measures against spam calls: TRAI issued Directions on 13 August 2024, mandating that any entity found to be making promotional voice calls in violation of regulations would face strict consequences. This includes disconnection of all telecom resources, blacklisting for up to two years, and a ban on new resource allocation during the blacklisting period. In response to these directions, over 800 entities/individuals have been blacklisted, and more than 18 lakh SIP DID/Mobile Numbers/Telecom resources have been disconnected which is a significant step towards cleansing the systems of commercial calls.

    Mandatory URL, APK, and OTT link whitelisting: In compliance with TRAI’s Directions dated 20 August 2024, Access Providers have implemented mandatory whitelisting of URLs, APKs, or OTT links in messages with effect from 1 October 2024. This way, only safe and approved links can get through the SMS, protecting consumers from harmful or fake websites, apps, or other online threats.

    Migration for telemarketing calls to the distributed ledger technology (Blockchain) platform: With effect from 1 October 2024, Telemarketing calls starting with the 140xx numbering series have been migrated to the Distributed Ledger Technology (Blockchain) platform for strict monitoring and control.

    Enhanced message traceability: Access providers have implemented technical solutions to ensure traceability of entities (Senders / Principal Entities) involved in sending a message to recipients. This new system ensures that each person who handles the message, from the sender to the final delivery is tracked. This involves defining Principal Entity (PE)-Telemarketers (TMs) chain through which messages travel before reaching the Access Provider. To provide a transition time for awareness, technical upgrades, and chain declaration, TRAI, vide its Direction dated 28 October 2024, in partial modification of its earlier Direction dated 20 August 2024, has directed access providers to ensure PE-TM chain declaration by all PEs and TMs at the earliest, and the PEs and TMs who default on PE-TM chain binding to be issued a warning by respective Access Providers on daily basis until 30 November 2024. With effect from 1 December 2024, any traffic (messages) where the chain of Telemarketers is not defined or does not match with a predefined chain shall be rejected. 

  • Bombay high court orders committee to oversee government ad funds

    Bombay high court orders committee to oversee government ad funds

    Mumbai: The Bombay high court directed the Maharashtra government to form a three-member committee to monitor the use of public funds in government advertisements, ensuring that funds are not used for unrelated purposes. This directive stems from the state’s delay in adhering to a supreme court mandate focused on enforcing accountability in public advertising. The court ordered that the committee must be set up by 14 December.

    This order, issued by a bench comprising justice MS Sonak and Justice Jitendra Jain, highlighted concerns over the lack of active oversight within Maharashtra, deeming this absence of monitoring “unjustifiable.” The court referred to the Supreme Court’s judgment in the “Common Cause vs. Union of India case”, which deemed political promotion through government advertising as contrary to the principles of fairness and constitutional rights outlined in articles 14 and 21.

    The ruling came in response to a petition by the Editors’ Forum, which raised issues regarding compliance with various government guidelines related to advertising practices by entities such as the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC), City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). The petition highlighted concerns around ad placements and the use of unapproved agencies.

    Representatives of the Maharashtra government argued their adherence to current guidelines; however, the court found the State’s explanations insufficient. The judges underscored that, had a committee as mandated by the Supreme Court been established, it could have actively reviewed the alleged issues.

    The chief secretary of Maharashtra has been specifically instructed to oversee the formation of this committee, ensuring stringent accountability in the use of public funds. The petitioners were represented by advocates SB Talekar, Madhavi Ayyappan, Chagan Thakare and Neha Lalsare, with additional government pleader Abhay Patki representing the state. 

  • TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 August 2024

    TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 August 2024

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released key insights into telecom subscription data as of August 31, 2024. During August, there were 14.66 million requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP), bringing the total cumulative MNP requests since the system’s implementation to 1,025.78 million, up from 1,011.13 million at the end of July.

    As for active wireless subscribers, TRAI reported that there were 1,061.48 million active users at the peak VLR (Visitor Location Register) date in August 2024.

    In its analysis of broadband services, TRAI noted an increase in total broadband subscribers from 946.19 million in July to 949.21 million in August, marking a growth rate of 0.32 per cent. The number of wireline subscribers also rose from 35.56 million to 36.23 million, a net increase of 0.67 million and a monthly growth rate of 1.90 per cent. At the end of August, urban subscribers accounted for 92.09 per cent of the wireline base, while rural subscribers made up 7.91 per cent.

    Despite the overall growth in wireline subscriptions, total wireless subscribers decreased from 1,169.61 million in July to 1,163.83 million in August, resulting in a decline of 0.49 per cent. Urban wireless subscriptions fell from 635.46 million to 633.21 million, while rural subscriptions dropped from 534.15 million to 530.63 million. This led to a reduction in wireless tele-density from 83.32 per cent to 82.85 per cent.

    The market share of private access service providers remains significant, holding 92 per cent of wireless subscribers, with BSNL and MTNL, the public sector units, accounting for only eight per cent. Additionally, the number of M2M (Machine-to-Machine) cellular connections increased from 53.67 million to 54.07 million, with Bharti Airtel leading with a market share of 52.54 per cent.

    The total number of telephone subscribers in India decreased from 1,205.17 million to 1,200.07 million, reflecting a decline rate of 0.42 per cent. Urban and rural telephone subscriptions also fell during this period. Consequently, overall tele-density decreased from 85.85 per cent to 85.43 per cent.

    Of the 1,163.83 million wireless subscribers, approximately 91.21 per cent were active in August. Bharti Airtel had the highest active subscriber proportion at 99.24 per cent, while MTNL reported the lowest at just 26 per cent.

  • TRAI releases ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024’

    TRAI releases ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024’

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) releases Regulations namely “Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 “.

    The regulations aims to provide policy and regulatory trigger, for addressing the issue of quality of digital connectivity inside buildings, the Authority has submitted recommendations to the Government on “Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity” on 20 February 2023. The recommendations are aimed to create an ecosystem for co-creations of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) as a part of any development activity. Further, for enabling co-creation of DCI in Buildings or Areas, the Authority has recommended to include DCI development as a part of Model Building Byelaws and suggested a draft chapter titled “Digital Connectivity Infrastructure in the Buildings” covering requirement of DCI for new and existing buildings. This assumes importance as the majority of data consumption takes place indoors or in public premises whereas the quantum & speed of data consumption have seen exponential growth, more so with the advent of 5G technology.

    As a part of aforesaid recommendations, the Authority also decided to bring a framework for rating of buildings or properties for digital connectivity to promote creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach.

    Accordingly, these regulations are being notified to encourage and nudge property managers for providing good digital connectivity experience to their existing and prospective customers. A property with better ratings shall attract more users, buyers or investors and thereby add value to the properties.

    In India, there are 927.56 million wireless internet subscribers against 42.04 million internet subscribers (as of June’ 2024) having wired connectivity in their homes or offices. Thus, at present, most of the population is dependent on wireless networks to access the internet.

    Despite significant coverage of 4G (LTE) network and rollout of 5G network, availability of more spectrum bands, the coverage and quality of digital connectivity inside buildings remains a major issue which need to be addressed largely through collaboration of service providers and property managers.

    The regulations have been finalised after following a detailed consultative process through a consultation paper on “Regulation on Rating Framework for Digital Connectivity in Buildings or Areas” was released on the TRAI website on 27 September 2023 inviting written comments from the stakeholders. An Open House Discussion (OHD) through Virtual mode, was held with the stakeholders, on 18 June 2024.

    The salient features of the regulations include following:

    1    A rating platform, an information technology system and associated applications shall be set up or authorized by the TRAI for the purpose of managing rating of properties for digital connectivity as per provisions of the regulations The rating process shall be implemented through the rating platform only.

    2    Any entity fulfilling the eligibility criteria intending to commence activity as Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA) shall be empanelled by the Authority through registration on the rating platform.

    3    Property manager, who intends to apply for the rating of his/her property of minimum specified size, shall register on the rating platform, in such manner and format and upon payment of such fees, as may be specified by the Authority.

    4    The properties, for the purpose of rating for digital connectivity, are classified in the different categories namely- Residential, Government Properties, Commercial Establishments, Other private or public areas, Stadiums or Sport Arenas or spaces of frequent gathering and Transport corridors.

    5    The DCRA shall disclose the fee to be charged and other terms and conditions, if any, to the property manager and get their acceptance before commencement of any rating activity.

    6    The fees charged by DCRA shall be based on the category and classification of properties, the responsibility of DCRA under the provisions of these regulations, the complexity involved, the area of the property, etc.

    7    No telecom service provider shall enter into an exclusive arrangement or tie-up arrangement with any property manager for development or access of digital connectivity or digital connectivity infrastructure in their property.

    8    For the purposes of rating for digital connectivity, Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL) issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) shall be referred to in cases where MBBL of State or Union Territory do not have provisions for digital connectivity infrastructure.

    9    DCRA shall evaluate the property and assign scores, on the rating platform, against each rating criteria and sub-criteria. Digital Connectivity Rating shall be awarded to the property starting from one star to five star. The detailed guidelines for award of score and process shall be issued separately as per provisions of these regulations.

    10    The Authority shall notify the date on which the rating platform shall be made live. Further, the Authority may, till the development of online rating platform, provide an alternate mechanism for rating of property.

    These regulations shall apply to –

    a    Property managers who intend to get their property, of minimum specified size, rated for digital connectivity, either voluntarily or under the provisions of applicable laws, rules or regulations.

    b    Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA), who may evaluate and award ratings for property under these regulations; and

    c    The service providers, who may enter an arrangement with the property manager for development or access of digital connectivity or digital connectivity infrastructure.

    The regulations shall come into force with effect from 25 October 2024.

  • TRAI releases consultation paper on Telecom Act 2023 network authorisations

    TRAI releases consultation paper on Telecom Act 2023 network authorisations

    Mumbai: On 22 October, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper regarding the terms and conditions for network authorisations under the Telecom Act, 2023. This 166-page document, which includes 37 questions, invites written comments from stakeholders by 12 November  2024 and counter-comments by 19 November 2024.

    The paper follows a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), made in a letter dated 26 July, seeking recommendations on terms and conditions, including fees, for establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecommunications networks under the Telecom Act, 2023. Additionally, in a letter dated 17 October, DoT asked TRAI to consider authorising satellite communication networks under the Act.

    The consultation paper explores several key issues, such as which telecommunications equipment should fall under ‘in-building solutions’ (IBS). It also seeks views on whether the scopes of Infrastructure Provider-I (IP-I) and Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) authorisations should be merged. If this merger is deemed necessary, TRAI has asked for input on eligibility requirements, scope of operation, validity period, and terms for the combined authorisation.

    Furthermore, the paper addresses Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG) authorisation, asking for stakeholder opinions on the matter.

  • Prasar Bharati to launch live TV broadcasts on smartphones without internet: Sources

    Prasar Bharati to launch live TV broadcasts on smartphones without internet: Sources

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati is reportedly working on a new initiative to enable live TV broadcasts on smartphones without requiring an internet connection. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has confirmed that trials for this project are underway in several cities, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, a subsidiary of Tejas Networks and a Karnataka-based wireless communication solutions provider. These trials involve the use of both high-power and low-power transmitters.

    According to officials, the trials of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology have been promising so far. However, further advancements will require installing transmitters on cellular towers and integrating specialised chips into mobile phones. The live broadcasting of TV channels on smartphones would function similarly to radio, using broadcast signals. Specific hardware would be needed to receive and decode these signals, but it would allow high-quality video and audio streaming without depending on internet speed.

    In 2019, the MIB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore areas like D2M broadcasting, rural broadband, and 5G convergence.

    Prasar Bharati is also reportedly planning to venture into the OTT space. The proposed OTT platform would follow a revenue-sharing model, where content providers would receive 65 per cent of the net revenue generated from subscription or transaction-based content, while Prasar Bharati would retain 35 per cent. Satellite channels that join the platform would follow the same model.

  • India emerges as content hub: I&B ministry hosts WAVE Summit 2025

    India emerges as content hub: I&B ministry hosts WAVE Summit 2025

    Mumbai: India is positioning itself as a global content hub, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting spearheading initiatives to foster innovation in the broadcasting sector. The WAVESummit, scheduled from 5-9 February 2025, will challenge content creators with 27 unique opportunities, providing a national and international platform for talent showcasing and employment generation.

    On 17 October 2024, information and broadcasting minister of state, L. Murugan inaugurated a symposium on ‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting,’ hosted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) during the India Mobile Congress 2024. The event witnessed key addresses by industry leaders, including TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, ministry of I&B secretary Sanjay Jaju, and TRAI secretary Atul Kumar Chaudhary.

    Murugan emphasised that India’s broadcasting sector is undergoing a transformative phase due to technological advancements. With the rise of social media, the landscape of content creation has dramatically expanded, turning India into a major player in the global content economy. “We live in a content-driven economy, and India is emerging as a content hub,” said Murugan. He also highlighted the government’s focus on promoting content production through a streamlined single-window system to enhance the ease of doing business, particularly in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) sector.

    Further supporting content growth, the union cabinet recently approved the auctioning of FM radio channels in 234 new cities, aiming to boost local content and create more employment opportunities. Murugan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to strengthen the broadcasting sector’s contribution to India’s economic and cultural development.

    Jaju, in his special address, emphasised the potential of digital radio and direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcasting. He mentioned ongoing trials conducted by Prasar Bharati in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, aiming to deliver content directly to mobile devices using low- and high-power transmitters. Jaju also underscored the transformative potential of 5G technology, particularly when combined with immersive media such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which could redefine the content consumption experience.

    The symposium also focused on discussions around strengthening the regulatory framework. Chaudhary highlighted the necessity of adapting regulations to meet emerging technological needs. He noted that today’s discussions aim to shape future policies that ensure a balanced and inclusive broadcasting ecosystem.

    Lahoti highlighted the booming growth of India’s media & entertainment sector, projected to reach Rs 3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by new media platforms and immersive technologies. He reiterated TRAI’s commitment to fostering innovation through forward-looking regulatory recommendations.

    The symposium explored the future of immersive technologies, D2M, and 5G broadcasting. The event featured over 100 national and international participants, with expert speakers from various industries, including broadcasting and telecommunications.

  • Government and Meta launch ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign to fight cyber scams

    Government and Meta launch ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign to fight cyber scams

    Mumbai: The ministry of information & broadcasting and Meta have joined forces to launch the ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign, a national initiative focused on raising awareness about online scams and cyber frauds. The campaign, which was unveiled in New Delhi by information & broadcasting secretary, Sanjay Jaju aims to equip citizens with the skills needed to navigate the growing digital threats facing India.  

    In collaboration with key ministries including the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), the ministry of home affairs (MHA), and the Indian cyber crime coordination centre (I4C), the campaign aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance cyber safety and digital literacy. As India witnesses extraordinary digital growth, with over 900 million internet users and leading the world in UPI transactions, there has been a parallel increase in cyber fraud, with 1.1 million cases reported in 2023.  

    Jaju emphasised the campaign’s significance, stating, “Scam se Bacho is more than just an awareness drive. This campaign can be a national movement that empowers Indian citizens with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from these threats. By leveraging Meta’s global expertise, the campaign will ensure our digital progress is matched by robust digital security.”  

    The ‘Scam se Bacho’ initiative goes beyond traditional awareness efforts, focusing on fostering a culture of digital safety and vigilance. It aims to provide citizens with actionable insights to safeguard against online scams and equip them with the resources to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. The campaign’s launch aligns with the prime minister’s call for stronger measures to combat cybersecurity challenges, advocating for an informed and resilient digital society.  

    The government and Meta’s joint efforts represent a comprehensive strategy to confront rising cyber risks, ensuring that as India continues to achieve significant milestones in its digital journey, the nation remains protected from threats.  

  • TRAI issues consultation paper on regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters

    TRAI issues consultation paper on regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper titled ‘Regulatory framework for ground-based Broadcasters’, inviting input from stakeholders on the need for a regulatory framework to govern ground-based television broadcasting technologies.

    The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has, over the years, issued guidelines for the uplinking and downlinking of satellite television channels in India. These guidelines mandate that broadcasters use satellite-based mediums to provide their channels to distribution platform operators (DPOs). However, advancements in technology have now made it feasible for broadcasters to distribute their content terrestrially. Like satellite-based television, terrestrial broadcasting can also be carried over multiple DPO networks, allowing commercial retransmission to subscribers.

    In light of these technological advancements, there is now a recognised need for a regulatory framework to enable the use of ground-based broadcasting technologies.

    TRAI had earlier forwarded recommendations on the regulation of platform services, including those relevant to ground-based broadcasters, to the MIB in 2014. However, the MIB’s recent communication, dated 22 May 2024, notes that while guidelines on platform services were issued in 2022, the context surrounding TRAI’s 2014 recommendations regarding ground-based broadcasting may have evolved. The MIB has thus requested TRAI to review and issue fresh recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.

    In response, TRAI is now seeking comments on the newly released consultation paper. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments by 15 November 2024, with counter-comments due by 29 November 2024. Comments can be submitted electronically to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadv-bcs@trai.gov.in.

  • TRAI releases TV, cable TV, DTH data for June 2024 quarter

    TRAI releases TV, cable TV, DTH data for June 2024 quarter

    MUMBAI: Industry watchdog the Telecom Regulatory Authority  of India (TRAI) released its quarterly Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report yesterday  for the quarter ending 30 June 2024 which is compiled by collecting information from service providers. And there are no real surprises as far as broadcasters and DPOs are concerned.

    The report has revealed that 912 satellite channels have been allowed to uplink/downlink/do both by the ministry of information & broadcasting as of 30 June 2024. This compare to 924  private satellite TV channels which had got permission in end March 2024 and 903 in end June 2023.  So, it appears there has been a drop in permitted channels. Of these 912, 902 are available for downlinking in India. 362 of the 902 channels are pay TV channels as of end June 2024, while the rest are free to air. There has been not much of a growth in terms of HD services with the figure hovering around the 103 channel mark for the past many quarters; the number stands at 103 HD channels in end June 2024. The SD channels too have stayed put at the 255-259 mark; with the latest number being 259.

    199 of the SD channels are priced between between less than Rs 1 and Rs 12, while 37 HD channels are priced in that range. 42 SD channels and 54 HD channels are priced at Rs 19 and just two SD channels and five HD channels are priced more than Rs 19. So much for the watchdog’s fears that broadcast networks would price their channels too high.

    The largest genre of pay TV channels is represented by general entertainment channels which is at 115 followed by movies with 72 and news & current affairs which has 65 pay channels.

     

    On the DPO side, TRAI  has reported that 11 MSOs and 1 HITS operator have more than a million subs as of end June 2024. 

    Active DTH subs have expanded to 62.17 million as against 61.97 in end March 2024.