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Tag: Trai

  • TRAI issues Consultation Paper on telecom audit provisions

    TRAI issues Consultation Paper on telecom audit provisions

    Mumbai – Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the Consultation Paper on ‘Audit related provisions of Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual’.

    In consonance with the complete digitization of the cable TV sector, TRAI on 3 March 2017 notified the Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable services which included Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 [hereinafter called Interconnection Regulation].

    TRAI also issued the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual [hereinafter called Audit Manual] on 8th November 2019.

    One of the prime objectives of TRAI is to create a fair and equitable environment for all stakeholders. Interconnection Regulation establish a trust-based system through third-party auditors to balance the diverse interests of various service providers, including broadcasters and distributors, while keeping the consumers at the forefront. Independent Audit is one of the core principles of Interconnection Regulations. In this regard, some stakeholders have opined that certain amendments are required in the audit related provisions in the Interconnection Regulation 2017.

    Further consequent upon acceptance of TRAI recommendations on “Sharing of Infrastructure in Television Broadcasting Distribution Sector” dated 29th March 2017, MIB has issued guidelines for infrastructure sharing. Therefore, it is pertinent to review the existing framework and incorporate the enabling provisions in the Interconnection Regulation 2017 and Audit Manual.

  • TRAI holds meeting with access service providers and delivery telemarketers

    TRAI holds meeting with access service providers and delivery telemarketers

    Mumbai- In the context of consumer complaints about unsolicited commercial calls, TRAI held a meeting on 6 August with Access Service Providers and their Delivery Telemarketers to deliberate the action on spammers.

    The following issues were discussed during the meeting-

    (i) Instances of misuse of Headers and Content templates without the knowledge

    of entities.

    (ii) Steps taken by Access Service Providers and Delivery Telemarketers to identify and trace the entities responsible for sending such messages and to take corrective measures to prevent such cases.

    (iii) Control of Promo calls whether robotic calls! auto-dialler calls! pre-recorded calls, and migration of all such enterprise business customers on DLT platform for sending bulk communication in compliance with TRAI regulations.

    The regulator sought proactive action from all the stakeholders specially Access Service providers and their Delivery Telemarketers to take immediate action including implementing technical solutions for traceability and to prevent bulk calling by their enterprise customers using 10-digit numbers through PRI/SIP.

    The Regulator has conveyed a strong message to the service providers and their Telemarketers to come forward and take effective measures to curb bulk communications using voice calls.

  • TRAI meets regulatory heads of all TSPs

    TRAI meets regulatory heads of all TSPs

    Mumbai – TRAI held a meeting, under the chairmanship of Chairperson, TRAI on 8 August 2024 with Regulatory Heads of all the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). The meeting was attended by the Chief Regulatory Officers of Airtel, BSNL, Quadrant Televentures Limited (QTL), Reliance JiO, Tata Teleservices Limited, Vodafone Idea Limited and V-CON Mobile & Infra Private Limited. Representatives of MTNL and Reliance Communications Limited didn’t turn up for the meeting.

    The following issues were discussed during the meeting-

    (i) Spam calls by Entities sending bulk commercial communications through PRI/ SIP or Bulk Connections.

    (ii) Migration of all Telemarketers and Enterprise making bulk calls to DLT

    platform

    (iii) Entity and Telemarketer Chain Binding for traceability of messages.

    (iv) Whitelisting of URLs for blocking of messages containing malicious links.

    After detailed deliberations, the following decisions were taken-

    (i) If any entity misuses its SIP/ PRI lines for making spam calls, all the Telecom Resources of the entity shall be disconnected by its Telecom Service Provider (TSP) and the entity shall be blacklisted by it. This information shall be shared by the TSP with all other TSPs who will, in turn, disconnect all the telecom

    resources given by them to that entity and blacklist it for a period of up to two years. No new telecom resources shall be allocated to it by any TSP during the period of blacklisting.

    (ii) With effect from 1 September 2024, no message, containing URLs/ APKs that are not whitelisted, shall be allowed to be delivered.

    (iii) The technical implementation of Entity and Telemarketer chain binding for ensuring traceability of the message flow shall be

    completed by the TSPs latest by 31st October 2024.

    TRAI emphasised that there is an urgent need to take firm action on spammers using PRI/SIP connections for voice calls/Robo calls/Pre-recorded calls without further delay. All the TSPs promised to extend full support to TRAI in curbing the menace of spam calls and implement all the Directions of TRAI within timeframe.

  • TRAI releases consultation paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorisations’

    TRAI releases consultation paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorisations’

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on the ‘Framework for the Service Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023′. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through a letter dated 21 June 2024 informed TRAI that the Telecommunications Act, 2023 has been published in the Official Gazette of India; Section 3(1)(a) of the Act provides for obtaining an authorisation by any entity/ person intending to provide telecommunication services, subject to such terms and conditions, including fees or charges, as may be prescribed. DoT also shared a background note on related aspects in this regard, including relevant sections of the new Act that may have a bearing on the terms and conditions of authorisations.

    DoT through the said letter dated 21 June 2024, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997 (as amended), requested TRAI to provide its recommendations on terms and conditions, including fees or charges, for authorisation to provide telecommunication services as per the provisions of the Telecommunications Act 2023.

    Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from stakeholders by 1 August 2024 and counter-comments by 8 August 2024, respectively. 

  • TRAI’s DD FreeDish recommendations draw industry flak

    TRAI’s DD FreeDish recommendations draw industry flak

    Mumbai: Industry watchdog – the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)  – has bowled another bouncer at the Indian broadcasting sector by recommending tight – and many say impossible deadlines – deadlines for the Prasar Bharti owned DTH operator DD FreeDish.

    In its latest round of recommendations, the TRAI has asked it to stop selling non-addressable set top boxes for DD FreeDish by 1 January 2025. The public service broadcaster has been selling these for more than a decade and more than 45 million homes have them. The regulator has advised DD FreeDish to  replace them with indigenously-developed STBs and addressability built in by an organisation such as C-DoT. An additional caveat that has been mentioned is that the boxes should be inter-operable with those of other cable TV netwoks and DTH platforms. It has stated that even private cable TV networks and DTH operators should also take the inter-operable STB route.

    The authority has also asked it to start encrypting all private channels on its platform by 1 April 2025, followed by all DD, education, and radio channels within four years.

    “This is madness,” said a senior legal counsel at a major broadcasting network. “Does the TRAI know what it is doing? Where are the chips available? The circuits? And inter-operability – which developed market has inter-operable STBs between cable TV and DTH? Each player has his own CAS? I am sure this is going to be challenged very shortly. “

    Another broadcasting executive added: “The recommendations make it appear as if the TRAI wanted to placate the DPOs who have been demanding a level playing field between DD and the encrypted platforms. Please check whether  DD and Prasar Bharti expected things to go in the direction that TRAI has said. I don’t expect the recommendations to be implemented in my lifetime.”

    (Indiantelevision.com had managed to get only the private sector’s viewpoint and had not managed to get through to either TRAI or Prasar Bharti at the time of writing.)

  • National Broadcast Policy 2024 unveils blueprint for broadcasting sector advancement

    National Broadcast Policy 2024 unveils blueprint for broadcasting sector advancement

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently put forth recommendations for shaping the ‘National Broadcasting Policy-2024’ aimed at establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem. The policy sets out a comprehensive roadmap for the next decade, with a focused strategy for the upcoming five years.

    The policy seeks to promote resilient, adaptable, and technologically agile infrastructure that encourages research and development, technological innovation, and local manufacturing. It also strives to create a fair competitive environment, enhance ease of doing business and drive economic growth by ensuring widespread access to broadcasting services.

    “The National Broadcasting Policy-2024 aims to build a strong broadcasting ecosystem by fostering growth-oriented policies and regulations supported by data-driven governance,” stated TRAI.

    One of the key goals is to position India as a global ‘Uplinking Hub’ for television channels, attracting investments, generating employment and promoting skill development. Additionally, the policy focuses on fostering quality content production and distribution across television, radio, and OTT platforms, while promoting Indian content both domestically and internationally.

    In July 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) requested TRAI’s insights under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997, to aid in formulating this policy. Following a preliminary consultation paper in September 2023, TRAI released the formal consultation paper on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’ on 2 April. Feedback was gathered from 42 stakeholders, including service providers, organizations, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups and individuals.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to Media Care Brand Solutions director Yasin Hamidani where he provided his perspective on the policy.

    He stated that, “The National Broadcasting Policy 2024, with TRAI’s recommendations for a transparent and credible audience measurement and rating system for television, radio, and OTT services, offers several significant advantages. On the positive side, this initiative will enhance the accuracy and reliability of audience data, fostering trust among broadcasters, advertisers, and consumers.

    A transparent system will enable fair competition, encouraging innovation and quality content creation tailored to audience preferences. It will also ensure that smaller and emerging players have a fair chance to compete, potentially diversifying the media landscape.

    However, there are potential challenges to consider. Implementing a new measurement system requires substantial investment in technology and infrastructure, which could be a financial burden for some stakeholders. Additionally, there is a risk of resistance from established players accustomed to the existing system. Ensuring the security and privacy of audience data is another critical concern, as any breaches could undermine trust in the system.

    Despite these challenges, the overall impact of the NBP 2024 is poised to be transformative, driving the broadcasting sector towards greater accountability, inclusivity, and alignment with evolving technological advancements,” he concluded. 

  • Central Government appoints Atul Chaudhary as new TRAI secretary

    Central Government appoints Atul Chaudhary as new TRAI secretary

    Mumbai: The Central Government has appointed Atul Chaudhary as the new secretary of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), following the retirement of V Raghunandan last month. Raghunandan’s retirement was announced on May 15 during a TRAI open house, and he officially stepped down on May 31. During his tenure, he managed telecom project implementations, ensured telecom compliance across various regions, and enforced policies.

    Atul previously served as deputy director general (DDG) at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and held the same position at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in 2021, has taken over the role. His extensive experience includes roles in personnel, human resources, administration, licensing, and vigilance divisions of BSNL and DoT. A member of the 1989 batch of Indian Telecommunication Services (ITS) officers, Chaudhary graduated from IIT Roorkee and holds a diploma in public policy and administration from the Indian Institute of Public Administration.

  • TRAI releases telecom subscription data

    TRAI releases telecom subscription data

    Mumbai: A million subscribers submitted their requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). With this, the cumulative MNP requests increased from 962.53 million at the end of March 24 to  973.60 million at the end of April 24, since the implementation of MNP. The number of active wireless subscribers (on the date of peak VLR) in April 2024 was 1057.66 million.

    Telecom-Subscription

    I. Broadband Subscriber  

    As per the information received from 1,203 operators in April 2024, in comparison to 1158 Operators in March 2024, the total Broadband  Subscribers increased from 924.07 million at the end of March 24 to 928.41 million at the end of April 24 with a monthly growth rate of 0.47 per cent. Segment-wise broadband subscribers and their monthly growth rates are as below: – 

    Segment

    • The graphical representation of the service provider-wise market share of  broadband services is given below: – 

    Service provider

    II. Wireline Subscribers

    • Wireline subscribers increased from 33.79 million at the end of March-24 to  34.26 million at the end of April-24. Net increase in the wireline subscriber  base was 0.47 million with a monthly rate of growth 1.39 per cent. The share of  urban and rural subscribers in total wireline subscribers were 91.53 per cent and  8.47 per cent respectively at the end of April, 2024.  

    • The Overall Wireline Tele-density in India increased from 2.41 per cent at the end of  March-24 to 2.45 per cent at the end of April-24. Urban and Rural Wireline Tele density were 6.29 per cent and 0.32 per cent respectively during the same period.  

    • BSNL, MTNL and APSFL, the three PSUs access service providers, held  27.05 per cent of the wireline market share as on 30th April, 2024. Detailed  statistics of wireline subscriber base are available at Annexure-I.  

    access-service

    III. Wireless subscriber 

    wirless

    • Total wireless subscribers increased  from 1,165.49 million at the end of March 24, to 1,166.96 million at the end of April 24, thereby registering a monthly growth rate of 0.13 per cent. Wireless subscription in  urban areas decreased from 634.47 million at the end of Mar-24 to 633.53 million at the end of Apr-24 however wireless subscription in rural areas  increased from 531.02 million to 533.42 million during the same period. Monthly  growth rate of urban and rural wireless subscription was -0.15 per cent and 0.45 per cent  
    respectively. 

    Wireless• The Wireless Tele-density in India increased from 83.27 per cent at the end of  March-24 to 83.31 per cent at the end of April-24.  

    The Urban Wireless Tele-density decreased  from 127.51 per cent at the end of March-24 to  127.12 per cent at the end of April-24 however Rural Tele-density increased from 58.87 per cent to 59.12 per cent during the same period. The  share of urban and rural wireless  subscribers in total number of wireless  subscribers was 54.29 per cent and 45.71 per cent  
    respectively at the end of April-24. Detailed statistics of wireless subscriber base is  available at Annexure-II.

    • As on 30th April, 2024, the private access service providers held 92.38 per cent  market share of the wireless subscribers whereas BSNL and MTNL, the two  PSU access service providers, had a market share of only 7.62 per cent.

    • The graphical representation of access service provider-wise market share  and net additions in wireless subscriber base are given below: – 

    service

    Growth in Wireless Subscribers

    Access Service Provider-wise Monthly

    • Except Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,  Kolkata and Gujarat, all other service areas have showed growth in their wireless subscribers during the month of April 24.

    M2M cellular mobile connections

    As on 30.04.2024, there were 51.92 million M2M cellular mobile  connections. Bharti Airtel Limited has the highest number of M2M  cellular mobile connections 28.39 million with a market share of  55.69 per cent followed by Vodafone idea Limited, Reliance Jio Infocom  Limited and BSNL with market share of 28.32 per cent, 11.41 per cent and 5.58 per cent  respectively. 

    M2M cellular mobile

    IV. Total Telephone Subscribers

    Total Telephone Subscribers

     • The number of telephone subscribers in  Total Telephone Subscribers India increased from 1,199.28 million at  the end of March-24 to 1,201.22 million at  the end of April-24, thereby showing a  monthly growth rate of 0.16 per cent. Urban telephone subscription decreased from 665.38 million at the end of March-24 to  664.89 million at the end of April-24 however the rural subscription increased from 533.90 million to 536.33 million during the same period. The monthly growth rates of urban and rural telephone subscription were -0.07 per cent and 0.45 per cent  respectively during the month of April-24. 

    overall• The overall Tele-density in India  increased from 85.69 per cent at the end of  March 24 to 85.76 per cent at the end of April 24. The Urban Tele-density decreased  from 133.72 per cent at the end of March 24 to  133.42 perent at the end of April 24 however Rural Tele-density increased from 59.19 per cent to 59.44 per cent during the same period. The  share of urban and rural subscribers in  total number of telephone subscribers at  the end of April-24 were 55.35 per cent and 44.65 per cent respectively. 

    tele

    • As may be seen in the above chart, eight LSA have less tele-density than  the all India average tele-density at the end of April-24. Delhi service area  has a maximum tele-density of 280.35 per cent and the Bihar service area has a minimum tele-density of 57.38 per cent at the end of April-24. 

    V. Category-wise Growth in subscriber base 

    Circle

    • As can be seen in the above tables, in wireless segment, during the  month of April, 2024, on monthly basis except Circle ‘A’, and Circle  ‘Metro’ all other circles have registered growth rate in their subscriber  base. On yearly basis all circles have registered growth rate in their  subscriber.

    • In Wireline segment, during the month of April, 2024, both on monthly and yearly basis, all circles have registered growth rate in their  subscriber base.

    VI. Active Wireless Subscribers (VLR Data)

    • Out of the total 1,166.96 million  wireless subscribers, 1057.66 million wireless subscribers were  active on the date of peak VLR in the month of April-24. The  proportion of active wireless  subscribers was approximately  90.63 per cent of the total wireless  subscriber base.

    • The detailed statistics on proportion of active wireless  subscribers (also referred to as  VLR subscribers) on the date of  peak VLR in the month of  April-24 is available at Annexure III and the methodology used for  reporting VLR subscribers is  available at Annexure-IV. 

    Active Wireless Subscribers

    • Reliance Communications has the  maximum proportion 100 per cent of its  active wireless subscribers (VLR)  as against its total wireless  subscribers (HLR) on the date of  

    peak VLR in the month of  April-24 and MTNL has the minimum proportion of VLR  23.24 per cent of its HLR during the same period.

  • 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.

  • DTH industry sees sharp decline: 1.32 million pay subscribers lost in July-September 2023

    DTH industry sees sharp decline: 1.32 million pay subscribers lost in July-September 2023

    Mumbai: The Direct-to-Home (DTH) television industry has long been a cornerstone of the entertainment landscape, offering viewers access to a wide array of channels and programming from the comfort of their homes. However, recent data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reveals a significant decline in DTH subscribers during the period of July to September 2023. According to the report, DTH services lost approximately 1.32 million pay subscribers during this timeframe, raising questions about the evolving dynamics of the pay-TV market.

    The decline in DTH subscribers is a reflection of several factors reshaping the television industry. One of the primary drivers behind this trend is the increasing popularity of alternative viewing platforms, such as Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming services and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms. With the proliferation of high-speed internet connectivity and the availability of affordable smartphones and smart TVs, consumers now have more choices than ever before when it comes to accessing content.

    The pay DTH subscriber base decreased by 2.02 per cent from 65.50 million in the quarter ended June 2023 to 64.18 million in QE September 2023. According to TRAI’s Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report, pay DTH attained a total active subscriber base of around 64.18 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. This is in addition to the subscribers of the DD Free Dish (free DTH services of Doordarshan).

    Since the introduction of the DTH Sector in the year 2003, Indian DTH (direct-to-home) services have displayed phenomenal growth, according to TRAI. During the QE 30th September 2023, there were four pay DTH service providers in the country including Tata Play with 32.43 per cent share followed by Bharti Telemedia with 27.01 per cent and  Dish TV India with 21.54 per cent share. Sun Direct TV had a 19.02 per cent share in QE in September 2023.

    As per TRAI report and as of September 30 2023, there are 995 MSOs registered with MIB. As per the data reported by MSOs and HITS operators, as of September 2023, there are 11 MSOs & 1 HITS operator who have a subscriber base greater than one million. With GTPL Hathway leading the charts with over nine million subscribers.

    As per broadcasters’ reporting in pursuance of the Tariff Order dated 3rd March 2017 as amended, out of 904 permitted satellite TV channels which are available for downlinking in India, there are 361 satellite pay TV channels as of 30th September 2023.

    TRAI said, out of 361 pay channels, 257 are SD satellite pay TV channels and 104 are HD satellite pay TV channels.