ITV

Tag: mobile number portability

  • TRAI overhauls network authorisations, boosting structure and revenue in telecom

    TRAI overhauls network authorisations, boosting structure and revenue in telecom

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has shaken up the telecom sector with fresh recommendations that redefine network authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The much-anticipated Recommendations on the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations were unveiled on 17 February 2025, setting the stage for a more structured and revenue-driven industry.

    This isn’t just a policy tweak—it’s a game-changer. With a range of new authorisation categories and a pricing framework that demands commitment, TRAI is making it clear that the industry’s future lies in structured, competitive, and investment-heavy territory. From satellite gateways to cloud-hosted telecom networks, the revised framework is a playbook for businesses looking to thrive in India’s fast-evolving telecom landscape.

    Key among the updates is the introduction of a mix of infrastructure and service provider authorisations, each carrying its own set of fees. Notably, the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Provider authorisation comes with a whopping Rs 40,00,000 guarantee fee, ensuring only serious players enter the market. But it’s not all about higher costs—TRAI has focused on streamlining processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering innovation while prioritising security.

    Companies eyeing infrastructure investments—think dark fibres, towers, and ducts—will now need an Infrastructure Provider (IP) authorisation. Meanwhile, digital connectivity firms can explore the Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) authorisation, which encompasses everything from wireline access networks to expansive Wi-Fi systems.

    One of the most forward-thinking recommendations includes enabling Cloud-hosted Telecom Networks (CTN), marking a significant step toward the sector’s cloud-powered future. TRAI has also planned for a smooth transition, allowing existing entities to voluntarily shift to the new framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, ensuring continuity without disruption.

    While the fee hikes may raise eyebrows, TRAI’s ultimate goal is to fortify India’s telecom ecosystem, making it robust, competitive, and future-ready. By enhancing the ease of doing business, fostering investment, and securing the sector’s digital backbone, the regulatory body is charting a course for long-term industry growth.

    For those keen to dive into the details, TRAI’s full set of recommendations is available on its website. Whether it’s satellites or fibre optics, India’s telecom landscape is gearing up for a more structured and lucrative future.

  • TSPs accountable for discriminatory MNP specific tariff offers: TRAI

    TSPs accountable for discriminatory MNP specific tariff offers: TRAI

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received complaints lodged by telecom service providers (TSPs) that rival TSPs are offering discriminatory tariff benefits to customers who want to switch telcos via mobile number portability (MNP).

    As per the Telecommunication Tariff Order (TTO), 1999, clause 10 on non-discrimination: No service provider shall, in any manner, discriminate between subscribers of the same class and such classification of the subscribers shall not be arbitrary.

    Provided that every classification between subscribers shall be based on intelligible eligibility criteria where such criteria shall have a rational nexus to the purpose of the said classification, it added.

    In 2011 letter, TRAI had clarified that: “The offering of differential tariffs to the subscribers porting from the network of other service provider is not valid and reasonable classification as the motive behind such classification is apparently to induce churn from the competitors’ network and which is discriminatory and contravenes the provisions of clause 10 of TTO, 1999.”

    “While TSPs have generally denied allegations of discriminatory MNP-specific tariff offers, in some cases, they have stated that their channel partners may have given some MNP specific benefits to the customers on their own without the consent and authorization of TSP”.

    Channel partners such as distributors, retailers and third-party apps are non-licensed entities that are appointed by TSPs for the purpose of offering telecom services. However, it remains the responsibility of the TSPs to adhere to regulatory provisions and guidelines with respect to tariff offerings.

    Considering all aspects and with the objective to ensure transparency, uniformity, and protection to its subscribers, TRAI has directed telecom services to ensure:

    1.     Only the tariffs reported to TRAI are offered through their channel partners, distributors, third-party apps etc.

    2.     All tariff orders comply with extant TRAI regulations/directions/orders issued in this regard as, where the TSPs name/brand is used for marketing/offering/selling products and services, the responsibility of ensuring compliance of TRAI’s regulatory guidelines/provisions shall remain with TSP.

    At the end of June, TRAI reported that telcos Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel had added 5.4 million and 3.8 million mobile subscribers whereas Vodafone Idea has lost 4.2 million mobile subscribers.

  • Full mobile number portability from July: Ravi Shankar Prasad

    Full mobile number portability from July: Ravi Shankar Prasad

    NEW DELHI: Communications and Information Technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that full mobile number portability will become operational across the country from July and consumers will get to keep the same numbers even when changing the telecom service provider.

     

    He also announced on 2 June 2015 that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will offer free roaming all over the country from 15 June.

     

    The telecom minister further added that spectrum sharing and trading policy would go to the Cabinet this month.

     

    Last month, BSNL introduced an unlimited free calling scheme from 9 pm and 7 am to revive its landline business. BSNL has the largest number of landline customers, with a market share of 62.26 per cent.

     

    The Minister regretted that BSNL, which had shown profits in 2004, was showing a deficit at present.

     

    When asked about frequent call drop complaints by consumers, the Minister said he has asked officials if a scheme of disincentive for the operators can be put in place.

     

    “Call drops are due to lack of towers. As far as installation is concerned it is subject to local law. No point to raise bogey of cell tower radiation and then complain of call drop,” Prasad said.  

     

    Additionally, answering a question relating to the controversial Section 66A of the IT Act 2000, Prasad said that the government fully backs freedom of speech.

     

    Section 66A defines the punishment for sending “offensive” messages through a computer or any other communication device like a mobile phone or a tablet. A conviction can fetch a maximum of three years in jail and a fine.

     

    The Supreme Court is already examining the constitutional validity of Section 66A of the amended IT Act following a batch of petitions alleging the section impinges upon the Fundamental Right to freedom of speech and expression.

     

    The Minister said, “The case was pending in the court before I joined the ministry.”

  • TRAI recommends no change in entry fee for mobile number portability for service providers

    TRAI recommends no change in entry fee for mobile number portability for service providers

    NEW DELHI: There should be no change in the entry fee for mobile number portability (MNP) service providers for implementing Full Mobile Number Portability, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said today. 

    It also said the Performance Bank Guarantee and Financial Bank Guarantee for the MNP service providers should be continued according to the existing licence conditions. 

     

    The recommendations were made in response to the Department of Telecom on additional entry fee, Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) and Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) to be charged from the existing Mobile Number Portability licensees for enhancement of scope of their licence. 

     

    In accordance with the provisions contained in the National Telecom Policy 2012 regarding “One Nation- Full Mobile Number Portability,” TRAI received a reference from the DoT on 27 December 2012, seeking the recommendations of TRAI for implementing full Mobile Number Portability across the country. 

    After consultation with the stakeholders and examination of various issues, TRAI had given its recommendations on ‘Full Mobile Number Portability’ to the Department on 25 September 2013. 

     

    On 2 July this year, the DoT conveyed the acceptance of the said recommendations and requested TRAI to give its opinion for additional entry fee, PBG and FBG to be charged from the existing Mobile Number Portability licensees for enhancement of scope of their license. 

     

    The issues indicated in the DoT’s reference have been examined by the Authority and response to the said issues has been finalised.