Department of Telecommunications' proposals on recommendations confronted by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, response detailed
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its response to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding the terms and conditions for network authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The response, made publicly available on TRAI's official website, reaffirms TRAI's original recommendations for a framework that includes fees, charges, and notably, satellite communication network authorisations.
The DoT had initially requested TRAI to suggest terms and conditions, including applicable fees, for granting authorisations to establish, operate, maintain, or expand telecommunication networks under the 2023 law. This request was followed by an additional one on October 17, 2024, asking TRAI to examine authorisation provisions for satellite communication networks.
TRAI's latest terms and conditions emphasise a comprehensive network authorisation framework that integrates satellite communication. The framework includes robust enforcement mechanisms, with TRAI advocating for stronger powers such as the ability to independently impose penalties, fines, and sanctions on telecom operators who violate regulations. This includes the demand for mandatory bank guarantees from telecom license holders to secure financial dues like license fees, performance charges, and penalties.
However, the DoT has not yet accepted all recommendations regarding enhanced enforcement powers and mandatory bank guarantees. The draft National Telecom Policy 2025, on the other hand, proposes a flexible yet security-conscious framework for satellite communication (satcom) players, allowing new entrants while imposing stringent security regulations to mitigate unauthorized usage risks.
In its response, TRAI addressed each of the observations from the Ministry of Communications and provided clarifications or revised positions where necessary. The article discusses TRAI's detailed recommendations, covering various aspects of network authorisation, which were submitted on February 17, 2025. The final decision now lies with the DoT.
[1] The DoT's July 3, 2025, back-reference to TRAI was sent under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. [2] TRAI's response to the DoT's back-reference has been made publicly available on its official website. [3] The Ministry of Communications' prima facie observations on certain points led to the DoT's July back-reference. [4] The draft National Telecom Policy 2025 complements these authorisation rules by proposing a flexible yet security-conscious framework for satellite communication (satcom) players.
- In the development of the network authorization framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, TRAI's response to the DoT's request included suggestions for enabling policy in the field of finance by demanding mandatory bank guarantees from telecom license holders to secure financial dues like license fees, performance charges, and penalties.
- The debate surrounding the authorization of satellite communication networks has seen the DoT seeking TRAI's opinion on the matter, and in response, TRAI proposed a business-friendly yet secure industry environment for satcom players in the draft National Telecom Policy 2025, balancing access for new entrants with stringent regulations to prevent unauthorized usage.
