Telecom Policy
Tejas Networks gets Rs 189.1 cr from govt as PLI incentive for FY25
Tejas Networks has received Rs 189 crore from the Indian government under the PLI scheme for telecom and networking products. This initial tranche covers 85 percent of the incentive for the first two quarters of FY25, with the remaining balance to be released later in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
Tech and telecom companies seek sops for submarine cable infra
Technology and telecom companies are urging the Indian government for incentives like reduced licence fees on cable landing stations and tax exemptions on cable imports to boost investments in submarine cable infrastructure. Major players such as Bharti Airtel and Meta emphasize the importance of these measures for India's digital growth and competitiveness.
Telecom dept rejects Trai views on infra sharing by service providers backed by public fund
The Department of Telecom has rejected Trai's recommendation on mandatory passive infrastructure sharing by service providers supported by public funds. However, Trai has adjusted its suggestion on inter-band spectrum sharing, agreeing to allow sharing if at least 80% of the spectrum meets a two-year lock-in period, addressing DoT’s concerns.
Vodafone Idea, Jio, Airtel likely set for relief worth thousands of crores as govt plans SUC waiver
The government plans to waive spectrum usage charges for airwaves bought before September 2021, benefiting telecom firms like Vodafone Idea, Airtel, and Reliance Jio as they expand 5G services. Vodafone Idea could save around ₹8,000 crore, aiding its financial struggles. Starlink will still pay charges on administratively allocated spectrum.
Trai starts talks with broadcasters for overhauling regulatory system
Trai is engaging with broadcasting industry stakeholders to revamp regulatory frameworks. A consultation paper is being prepared to review existing regulations, with input requested by April 5. Discussions aim to include industry perspectives and improve competitiveness against digital platforms.
Elon Musk's Starlink may face spectrum tax in India, raising service costs
Starlink may face a spectrum usage charge (SUC) in India, potentially increasing costs for the company. This tax, along with the existing 8% licence fee, could be around 3% of adjusted gross revenue. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is finalizing the specifics of satellite spectrum pricing, tenure, and taxation, with recommendations expected soon.
TRAI plans to limit satellite permits to five years, defying Musk's Starlink
India's TRAI plans a five-year allocation of satellite broadband spectrum, differing from Elon Musk's 20-year request. Recommendations on pricing and allocation will be finalized within a month. Mukesh Ambani's Reliance and Bharti Airtel have partnered with Musk's Starlink for distribution in India. The shorter timeframe will help TRAI understand market dynamics and adjust pricing if needed.
New Telecom Act to be fully implemented by June-July: DoT's Neeraj Mittal
India’s Telecommunications Act 2023, aimed at reforming the telecom framework, will be fully operational by mid-2024. The new law simplifies licensing for service providers, reduces entry barriers for new players, and includes provisions for satellite spectrum allocation and optimal use of radio waves.
ET Graphics: Telcos must evolve into digital orchestrators for B2B success
A majority of enterprise customers of telecom operators in India expect telcos to simplify the experience through digitalisation and automation, and go beyond connectivity to provide industrytailored solutions. They are also keen to collaborate with telcos to solve their business challenges, a survey by Capgemini Research Institute has indicated
DoT makes satellite equipment testing, certification mandatory ahead of satcom services launch
India will soon mandate testing and certification of satellite equipment, such as gateways and user terminals, for satcom services starting from August-end. This move comes as firms like Eutelsat-OneWeb, Jio-SES, and Starlink prepare to launch their services, awaiting spectrum allocation and regulatory approvals.
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Reliance Jio, Airtel seek ‘fair competition’ as govt weighs Starlink’s satcom licence
Reliance Jio and Airtel have asked the Indian government to ensure fair competition in the satellite communications sector as it reviews Elon Musk’s Starlink licence. They demand comparable spectrum pricing for satellite and terrestrial services to avoid market distortion. They acknowledge lower prices for non-commercial uses like disaster recovery but insist commercial satellite operators should not get preferential pricing.
Reliance Jio and Airtel seek fair spectrum surrender policy
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have urged the government to ensure a level-playing field in the new spectrum surrender policy. This policy, if approved, would benefit all telcos but would particularly allow Vodafone Idea to save an estimated Rs 40,000 crore.
TRAI proposes broadcast fee overhaul under new authorisation regime
TRAI recommends reducing fees and guarantees for broadcasting services and phasing out DTH license fees by FY27. It proposes transitioning to an authorisation system under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, integrating MSOs and LCOs, and examining OTT platforms’ inclusion. Interoperable set-top boxes are encouraged to enhance consumer choice.
TRAI bats for inter-operable set-top boxes, infrastructure sharing among broadcasters
TRAI has recommended interoperable set-top boxes, voluntary infrastructure sharing among broadcasters, and reduced net worth requirement for IPTV providers. These measures under the Telecommunications Act-2023 aim to foster growth and ease of doing business in the broadcasting sector.
To check spam, Trai plans to regulate telemarketers
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will soon introduce a consultation paper detailing a regulatory framework for telemarketers to curb pesky calls and financial fraud. This move follows criticisms from major telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea that current regulations unfairly burden them while excluding telemarketers and OTT communication providers.
TRAI recommends bringing teleport operators, IXPs under authorisation regime
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended regulating new telecom entities such as satellite earth station gateway providers under a new authorisation regime. Cloud-hosted networks and mobile number portability providers will also be included, while content delivery networks are excluded. The recommendations aim to foster growth and ease doing business. Application fees and guarantees for authorisations are specified.
