Trai Chief

The development is crucial in light of users' preferences for working from anywhere and their demands for continuous digital connectivity

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will bring out a consultation paper to further strengthen digital inclusion in the country, and devices, connectivity as well as literacy will be three key aspects it will dwell into. TRAI Chairman PD Vaghela said that the consultation paper in this regard, will be released in the coming months. The upcoming consultation paper is expected to look at three key aspects -- devices, connectivity and literacy, Vaghela said on the sidelines of India Digital Summit 2023, organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). Vaghela, while speaking at the event, said: "We are planning to come out with a consultation paper to comprehensively address and look at further strengthening digital inclusion in the country." He, however, did not divulge other details. The move assumes significance since 5G device prices at the moment are perceived to be pricier by the masses, even as massive next-generation networks are speedily rolling out

Telecom regulator Trai has asked telcos to report call drop and service quality data at state level, as the regulator instructed operators to immediately improve quality of service and connectivity across the country. Trai chief P D Vaghela met representatives of telecom companies, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, on Friday to review service quality, and asked operators to take necessary steps to reduce call drops. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has made it clear to operators that it will tighten service quality benchmarks, for which a consultation process will be initiated. Vaghela told reporters that Trai will make the service quality standards more stringent. To start with, Trai will monitor call drop data at the state level too, immediately. At present, the data is collected LSA (licensed service area)-wise and averaged quarterly. This makes it difficult to pin-point problems, and patchy networks in smaller states. The reporting of da

Telecom operators, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, on Wednesday made a strong pitch for regulation of communication OTT players at a meeting with TRAI chief, according to industry sources. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had scheduled a meeting with telecom operators and ISPs to chalk out the agenda for 2023 where players raised multiple issues. Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal, Vodafone Idea Chief Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Officer P Balaji, and Reliance Jio board member Mahendra Nahata participated in the discussions on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by TRAI chief P D Vaghela. Sources privy to the meeting told PTI said that telecom operators made a unanimous pitch for 'same service-same rules', arguing that OTT players which offer similar services as telcos do, should be regulated on similar lines. The industry has long been demanding a level-playing-field with communications OTTs, emphasising that regulatory conditions and licence ...

Many global agencies have raised concern that the draft Bill will adversely impact privacy by giving DoT almost unlimited powers to access and endlessly demand all manner of private information

The PM WANI initiative can result in a massive scale-up of the internet in rural areas, which will be transformative, Trai Chairman said

Former Trai chief's presentation at the PMO in July got the ball rolling

Calling for modification of building bylaws to accomodate telecom infrastructure, the Trai chief said telecom must become as essential as electricity and water pipes.

Why Trai-broadcaster alignment is crucial for industry growth

The meeting assumes significance as the debt-laden and loss-making sector is reeling under massive financial stress

There have been reports of telecom companies approaching the regulator to fix the floor price or minimum tariff to be offered by them

TRAI had unveiled the new tariff order and regulatory regime for the broadcast and cable sector, which would pave the way for consumers to opt for channels they wish to view, and pay only for them

Telecom regulator Trai has already initiated a consumer outreach programme to create user awareness on the nuances of its new tariff order and framework for the broadcasting sector

On Tuesday, the telecom regulator has issued the much-awaited recommendations on net neutrality