18 February 2025
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on the terms and conditions for network authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The move aims to streamline regulatory processes, enhance ease of doing business, and support the growth of the telecom sector.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had sought TRAI's inputs on the framework for granting authorisations to entities establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecom networks. Following a consultation process, which included public feedback and an open house discussion, TRAI has outlined a structured approach for issuing network authorisations.
"These recommendations are aimed at fostering growth and enhancing ease of doing business in the telecom sector. Through these recommendations, the Authority has recommended a network authorisation framework, apart from detailed terms and conditions for various network authorisations to be granted under the Telecommunications Act, 2023," said the Ministry of Communications.
Key Recommendations include:
- Centralised Authorisation: The Central Government should grant network authorisations instead of entering into agreements with entities.
- Rule-Based Framework: Detailed terms and conditions should be defined in rules notified under the Act. Any changes, except for national security reasons, should involve TRAI's recommendations.
- Infrastructure Provider (IP) Authorisation: Required for entities managing dark fibers, right of way (RoW), duct space, telecom towers, and in-building solution (IBS).
- Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) Authorisation: Covers wireline and radio access networks, transmission links, and Wi-Fi systems.
- Internet Exchange Point (IXP) Authorisation: Necessary for entities managing internet traffic exchange within India.
- Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG) Provider Authorisation: Required for operating satellite ground infrastructure.
- Cloud-hosted Telecom Network (CTN) Authorisation: Introduced for cloud-based telecom services. Any entity intending to establish, operate, maintain, or expand cloud-hosted telecommunication network should obtain CTN Provider Authorisation from the Central Government.
- Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Provider Authorisation: The existing two-zone policy for MNP should continue, with provisions for future expansion.
Exemptions include Content Delivery Networks (CDN), in-building telecom solutions, and certain satellite ground stations.
Additionally, TRAI suggested exploring Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPN) Authorisation for enterprises and a potential framework for Cable Landing Station (CLS) Provider Authorisation. The recommendations also propose a transition for existing infrastructure providers to the new system.
