licensing framework Archives

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

Telecom Giants Raise Concerns Over Trai’s Exclusion of Messaging Apps | Technology

Telecom operators, including key figures from Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, and BSNL, expressed concerns to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia about the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s decision to exclude messaging and calling applications like WhatsApp and Telegram from its new licensing framework. They highlighted issues regarding adjusted gross revenue payments and the competitive imbalance created by the exclusion of over-the-top applications, which do not face the same regulatory obligations as traditional telecom services. Minister Scindia acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction, streamlined processes, and improved service quality.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

TRAI unveils new licensing regime, excludes WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Telegram

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.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

TRAI excludes likes of Google, Telegram, WhatsApp from new licensing rules

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a "One Nation One Authorisation" approach to simplify the licensing framework under the proposed Telecom Act. The recommendations do not include regulations for over-the-top (OTT) services, which has raised concerns among industry stakeholders. Major telecom companies advocate for a "same service, same rules" framework for OTT platforms. TRAI's Consultation Paper was released in July, and discussions on OTT regulation took place in August. Industry groups argue that OTT services are governed by the Information Technology Act of 2000. On September 18, TRAI's recommendations included allowing satellite-based services to provide calling and messaging, encouraging infrastructure sharing, reducing entry fees, and categorizing services into three segments: main, auxiliary, and captive service authorisations. The central government is urged to issue service authorisations based on predefined criteria.