Telecom News
Airtel MD writes to banks, NPCI, RBI to join forces against digital frauds; moots collaborative measures
Airtel is proactively seeking collaboration with banks, RBI, and NPCI to combat rising digital fraud. They've proposed a unified front, including a shared repository of fraudulent financial domains for proactive blocking of malicious sites. Airtel also advocates for regulatory oversight of OTT platforms and joint public awareness campaigns.
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
TRAI is set to launch a digital connectivity rating system for properties, similar to green building ratings. Five entities have applied to become rating agencies, with the first empanelments expected soon. The 'star rating' system will evaluate buildings on factors like fiber readiness and mobile network availability, aiming to improve connectivity and inform buyers and tenants.
Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea recharge with 15% revenue growth
Indian telecom companies witnessed revenue growth. Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio reported significant gains. Vodafone Idea experienced slower growth. Tariff hikes and subscriber additions drove revenue increases. Jio and Airtel gained customers, while Vi lost subscribers. The telecom sector needs tariff structure changes. Companies want to move to a pay-as-you-use model. This would allow higher data users to pay more.
Tech companies seek higher power limit for Wi-Fi devices
The tech industry urges a review of Wi-Fi power levels in the 6 GHz band. They seek alignment with global standards for better performance and affordable devices. The Department of Telecommunications is drafting rules for low-power wireless systems. Industry experts believe current power levels may limit device range. Broadband India Forum requests delicensing of additional spectrum for economic benefits.
Satcom firms say telcos’ criticism of Trai spectrum suggestions unjustified
Satellite companies refute telecom operators' claims that Trai's satcom spectrum pricing recommendations ignore competitive parity. Satcom firms argue differential pricing for urban and rural markets, along with increased spectrum fees, aims to level the playing field with terrestrial broadband. They criticize telcos' opposition as a tactic to impose high upfront charges, emphasizing Trai's recommendations promote fair competition.
Cheap home Wi-Fi plans could dial up trouble for Jio and Airtel
Telecom operators in India are aggressively pushing 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) for home connections. Experts caution this low-priced, data-heavy model may be unsustainable. While Jio and Airtel are rapidly adding FWA subscribers, the low ARPU and potential spectrum congestion could force them to raise prices or favor fiber-based connections.
No question of review of satcom spectrum recommendation based COAI's recommendations: TRAI sources
TRAI has dismissed COAI's request to review its satcom spectrum recommendations, asserting that the consultation process was thorough and transparent. COAI, representing Jio and Airtel, raised concerns about unjustifiably low spectrum charges for satellite services, potentially harming terrestrial networks. They urged DoT to form a committee for a comprehensive review, citing incorrect assumptions and a non-level playing field.
Musk's Starlink clears major India hurdle; in line for satcom licence after agreeing to new set of conditions
Starlink is close to launching satellite services in India. The government approved its application for a key licence. This follows a letter of intent issued to the company. Starlink accepted new conditions from the Department of Telecommunications. They also fulfilled fee requirements. Representatives will finalise paperwork soon. The company aligned with licensing conditions.
Vodafone to hike base 5G prepaid tariffs
Vodafone Idea (Vi) plans to increase its entry-level 5G pricing, following the strategies of Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. This move comes as Vi expands its 5G operations, aiming to improve monetization. The telco's 5G rollout has already enhanced 4G network capacity, with further expansion planned across 17 circles by August 2025.
Tata Communications announces TGN-IA2 subsea cable linking Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan to enhance connectivity
Tata Communications has launched the TGN-IA2 subsea cable system, enhancing connectivity across Asia by linking Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. Operated and managed by Tata Communications, this system offers scalable bandwidth solutions for hyperscalers and telecom operators.
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Levy SUC on shared spectrum bands only, TDSAT tells DoT
The Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has overturned a DoT order demanding an additional 0.5% spectrum usage charge (SUC) on the entire bandwidth of operators sharing airwaves. This decision favors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, potentially saving them ₹1,600 crore and ₹300 crore, respectively.
VodafoneThree commits £1.3 b for network upgrade
Vodafone and CK Hutchison finalized their UK merger, establishing 'VodafoneThree' and committing to invest £1.3 billion in the network's first year. This $19 billion union, approved by regulators, is set to become the market leader, surpassing BT's EE and O2.
Govt can give AGR relief if it wants to: Vodafone Idea CEO
Vodafone Idea's CEO, Akshaya Moondra, believes the Supreme Court's observations open the door for government AGR relief. Securing bank funding is crucial for Vi to expand its 4G coverage to 90%. The telco is actively engaging with lenders for significant funding and pursuing talks with Vodafone Group for a settlement amount to improve its financial standing.
Engaged with govt to find solution to AGR issue post plea dismissal by SC: Vodafone Idea CEO
Vodafone Idea is working with the government to resolve the AGR issue. CEO Akshaya Moondra believes the government can offer relief. He highlighted India's low ARPU and unsustainable data pricing. The government's stake is due to debt conversion, not board intentions. VIL faces financial challenges, seeking AGR waivers.
COAI flags Trai's satcom recommendations; claims assumptions incorrect, low charges unjustifiable
COAI challenges Trai's satcom spectrum recommendations. They allege flawed assumptions leading to unfair spectrum charges. COAI claims this favors satellite services over terrestrial networks. They request DoT to review the recommendations for fairness. COAI emphasizes the need for a level playing field. They argue current proposals undermine competition. COAI wants transparent and equitable regulations.
'Unjustifiably low' satcom spectrum price, says COAI
India's leading telecom operators have strongly criticised the telecom regulator's satcom recommendations, deeming the spectrum pricing as unfairly low and based on flawed assumptions. They argue that the proposals lack transparency, create an uneven playing field, and threaten the sustainability of terrestrial services.
