authorization framework

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations for a new telecom licensing framework, excluding over-the-top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The entry fees for telecom licenses have been halved to ₹50 lakh in each telecom circle, and reduced to ₹25 lakh in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East. TRAI has introduced three categories of authorisations: Main Service Authorisations, Auxiliary Service Authorisations, and Captive Service Authorisations. It has also launched a 'Unified Service Authorisation' allowing entities to offer multiple services nationally. National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) services have been merged into a single 'Long Distance Service Authorisation.' A new 'Satellite-based Telecommunication Service Authorisation' has been proposed for commercial satellite services. TRAI recommends the establishment of a framework for financial accounting, resource numbering, and spectrum allocation at the national level.