DoT Seeks Info On Service Authorisation Framework From TRAI

DoT Seeks More Info On Service Authorisation Framework From Trai

SUMMARY

The government aims to make the new regime more appealing for telecom operators, encouraging them to voluntarily adopt it

The DoT wants to avoid legal challenges and ensure clarity among stakeholders under the new regime

DoT reportedly accepted most of the regulator’s recommendations on the service authorisation framework

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to clarify and provide additional information on specific points within the service authorisation framework recommendations.

The DoT has also sought information on adjusted gross revenue, according to a report by the Economic Times.

The government aims to make the new regime more appealing for telecom operators, encouraging them to voluntarily adopt it, it added.

The DoT wants to avoid legal challenges and ensure clarity among stakeholders under the new regime.

The development comes after the DoT reportedly accepted most of the regulator’s recommendations on the service authorisation framework.

TRAI had last October released a consultation paper on the framework for service authorisations for provision of broadcasting services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Prior to that, in September, the regulator had issued recommendations to streamline the licensing framework under the new Telecom Act.

The DoT last month asked telecom operators to introduce caller ID features on mobile phones to keep spams in check. In its response, the telecom industry raised concerns over user’s privacy.

The telecom operators last month also urged the department to adopt TRAI’s new definition of international traffic, which could increase their SMS revenues by over INR 400 Cr annually.

The request arose from a long-standing issue where MNCs were accused of misclassifying international messages as domestic to avoid higher charges associated with international SMS.

The DoT is also planning to launch the second phase of a centralised system to block international spoofed calls, as was reported last October. The system will keep an eye on curbing the growing number of incidents involving fake threats of mobile disconnection and arrests, and impersonation of government officials.

In an effort to curb spam calls, the sector regulator is also looking to launch an updated version of its do not disturb (DND) app to provide some relief to smartphone users.