ITV

Tag: Telecom Regulation

  • Vodafone Idea misses Rs 6,090 crore spectrum payment—Now what?

    Vodafone Idea misses Rs 6,090 crore spectrum payment—Now what?

    MUMBAI: Another day, another Vodafone Idea financial hurdle. Akshay Moondra led telco, already walking a tightrope, has failed to submit a hefty Rs 6,090.7 crore bank guarantee or make a cash payment of Rs 5,493.2 crore to the department of telecommunications (DoT) for the 2015 spectrum auction shortfall, according to a report in The Economic Times.

    The deadline? 10 March.

    The result? No payment.

    And now, the government isn’t exactly thrilled, “We will see what action can be taken in the coming couple of days,” an official privy to the matter told ET. In other words—brace for impact. The DoT has not granted any extension so far, keeping Vodafone Idea on tenterhooks.

    The government had earlier attempted to throw the financially embattled telco a lifeline by waiving off bank guarantees (BGs) worth Rs 33,000 crore for past spectrum auctions across the private telecom giants—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). Out of this, Vi had been the biggest beneficiary, with Rs 24,800 crore in waivers. However, the fine print required Vi to still cough up cash or submit a BG for the 2015 auction, where it had a one-time partial shortfall.

    Meanwhile, competitors Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio had no such obligations, as their payments had already exceeded the pro-rata value of their spectrum use. Vi, however, was left holding the bag.

    Now, what happens? The ball is in the government’s court.

    With no payment in sight and no extension announced, DoT may be forced to take action. Will it demand strict penalties? Will it extend the deadline in an act of mercy? No one knows just yet. But for Vi, already struggling with debt and subscriber losses, another financial setback is the last thing it needs.

    ET in their report mentioned that queries sent to Vodafone Idea remained unanswered at the time of going to press. Given the company’s track record, it’s anyone’s guess whether the telco will come up with the funds or find itself in even deeper trouble.

  • 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.

  • Clear rules, bold frontiers: TRAI’s move to redefine international traffic

    Clear rules, bold frontiers: TRAI’s move to redefine international traffic

    MUMBAI: Clear rules don’t stifle innovation – they build trust and confidence in uncharted territories.

    In a landmark step poised to reshape India’s telecom landscape, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced decisive recommendations to end the long-standing ambiguity surrounding the definition of international traffic. This long-awaited announcement, marked by relief and anticipation, is set to bring much-needed clarity and precision to the sector, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.

    Born out of a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directive in August 2022, this pivotal development under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, serves as a beacon of regulatory guidance. As the telecom industry ventures into uncharted territories of innovation and globalisation, these guidelines promise a clearer framework to distinguish between international and domestic SMS traffic—ushering in a new era of operational transparency and accountability.

    In line with its mandate, TRAI conducted extensive consultations through its paper released on 2 May 2023. The process engaged 20 stakeholders for comments and seven for counter-comments, followed by an open house discussion in August. These comprehensive efforts culminated in the establishment of robust definitions aimed at eliminating inconsistencies in the classification of SMS traffic.

    Key recommendations:

    1    Definition of International Traffic:
        “International traffic” is now defined as telecommunication traffic originating in one country and terminating in another, with one country being India.

    2    Definition of International SMS:
        An “International SMS message” constitutes international traffic delivered using SMS. Additionally, an explanation specifies that any incoming application-to-person (A2P) SMS requiring electronic devices or systems outside India will also fall under this category.

    3    Definition of Domestic Traffic:
        “Domestic traffic” encompasses all traffic originating and terminating within India.

    4    Definition of Domestic SMS:
        “Domestic SMS” is defined as domestic traffic transmitted via SMS.

    TRAI’s clear delineation between domestic and international SMS ensures fair treatment across telecom service providers and eliminates potential misuse of classifications. It also strengthens compliance with India’s telecommunication licensing framework.

    The recommendations are poised to enhance transparency and efficiency in the telecom ecosystem. By safeguarding revenue streams and simplifying compliance for telecom operators, this move aligns with TRAI’s vision to fortify India’s telecom sector in the digital age.

  • International Conference of Telecom Regulators begins in New Delhi

    International Conference of Telecom Regulators begins in New Delhi

    Mumbai: Minister of state for communications, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani inaugurates the International Conference of Telecom Regulators, setting the stage for pivotal discussions on the future of telecom regulation. The one-day conference, organised by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), takes place alongside the ITU World Telecom Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24) and India Mobile Congress (IMC-24), bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers, and technology partners in New Delhi.  

    Pemmasani emphasises the rapid growth of India’s ICT sector, particularly the swift deployment of 5G services and the widespread adoption of digital technologies. “The growth of the digital economy and a favourable regulatory environment have played significant roles in this transformation,” he states.  

    The event also features remarks from prominent industry figures, including International Telecommunication Union (ITU), secretary-general, Doreen Bogdan-Martin and GSMA, director-general, Mats Granryd. TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti notes TRAI’s active participation in global telecom forums such as ITU and regional organisations like APT, SATRC, and ASEAN.  

    In a message read by TRAI secretary Atul K. Chaudhary, minister of communications Jyotiraditya Scindia highlights the role of regulators in protecting consumer interests while adapting to evolving technologies. He urges regulators to “craft frameworks for OTT communication” and explore the potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) in expanding communication capabilities to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).  

    The conference focuses on “Emerging Trends in Regulation,” covering critical topics such as regulatory perspectives in standardisation, satellite communication, and OTT communication services.