INDIA TELECOM REGULATION
Vodafone Idea's funding delays may erode market share in top circles
Vodafone Idea's potential capex delays may allow Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to capture revenue and customer share in Vi's key markets. Analysts anticipate Jio and Airtel increasing investments to attract Vi's customers due to its fundraising challenges. Failure to strengthen its network could lead to further market share decline for Vodafone Idea.
DoT urges state governments to use BSNL and MTNL for enhanced data security
The DoT has urged state governments to prioritize BSNL and MTNL for telecom services, citing data security and a Cabinet decision. This directive could significantly impact private telecom and internet service providers' revenue, potentially costing them thousands of crores annually. Industry executives express concern over the distortion of a level playing field and question the government's impartiality.
Stocks in news: HDFC Bank, Suzlon Energy, Tata Steel, BEL, MCX
HDFC Bank Share: Markets closed the week positively, buoyed by favorable domestic factors. HDFC Bank will pursue legal action against allegations from the LKMM Trust. Suzlon Energy's promoters are expected to sell a significant number of shares, while Tata Steel anticipates commencing its low-carbon project in the UK by 2025.
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas appoints former Disney executive Mihir Rale as Partner, Co-Head of Digital/ TMT
Mihir Rale, former Disney and Star India General Counsel, has joined Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as a Partner and Co-Head of the Digital | TMT practice. Based in Mumbai, he brings over two decades of expertise in technology, data, and media.
ID please? MeitY verifies identity verification startups
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is investigating firms, including Surepass, Digitap, Zoop, and Signzy, over concerns they may have bypassed authorised protocols to access confidential databases. In response, MeitY has blocked access to some of these companies' websites via telecom networks.
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.
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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.
Starlink becomes latest entrant to get a satcom licence in India
Elon Musk's Starlink has secured a crucial licence from India's telecoms ministry. This approval removes a significant obstacle. It brings Starlink closer to launching commercial services in India. Starlink joins OneWeb and Reliance Jio. These companies have already received similar approvals. They are set to provide services across the nation.
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.
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.
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.
Nvidia on m-cap podium; Flipkart’s block deals
GPU giant Nvidia has once again become the most valued publicly traded company in the world, boasting strong financials and sector dominance. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Starlink to get licence to operate in India soon: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Starlink is nearing final approval to operate in India, following the issuance of a Letter of Intent. OneWeb and Reliance already hold licenses, with Starlink expected to undergo testing after approvals. Project Kuiper is also eyeing entry, while TRAI has set spectrum charges, sparking debate over fairness compared to terrestrial networks.
Reliance, Airtel group challenges 'low' India satcom fee which can help Starlink
Indian telecom giants, represented by COAI, are worried that if satellite spectrum is priced too low, companies like Starlink will benefit unfairly. They argue that traditional telecom players pay significantly more for spectrum through auctions. COAI urges a review, emphasizing equivalent pricing for similar services to ensure fair competition as Reliance Jio and Airtel have invested heavily in 5G spectrum.
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.
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.
After backhaul, DoT seeks TRAI's views on pricing for 800/900/1800 MHz, other spectrum bands
The government has requested TRAI's recommendations on the reserve price and modalities for auctioning spectrum in several bands, including 600 MHz, which saw no takers in the 2022 auction. TRAI will also assess the possibility of auctioning newly identified bands and provide recommendations on various aspects like band plan and auction timing.
Trai seeks views on backhaul spectrum pricing in relief push for telcos, Vodafone Idea could benefit most
The telecom regulator, TRAI, is reviewing the pricing and assignment of backhaul airwaves, potentially easing the financial strain on telecom operators like Vodafone Idea. This move, prompted by the new Telecommunications Act, involves seeking stakeholder comments on various spectrum bands and usage models. The consultation addresses pricing, spectrum allocation, and the possibility of license-exempt V-band usage.
TRAI begins consultation for modalities of spectrum assignment in backhaul bands
TRAI has initiated consultations on assigning spectrum in several bands, including the lower 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz, E-Band, and V-Band. The regulator seeks stakeholder input on demand, terms, and charges, particularly for E and V bands crucial for high-throughput 5G backhaul.
Can Ambani do mutual fund magic with Aladdin?
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Group, through Jio Financial Services, is partnering with BlackRock to launch Jio BlackRock Asset Management, entering the growing Indian mutual fund market. Approved by Sebi, the venture aims to digitally deliver investment products, leveraging BlackRock's Aladdin platform for data-driven investing.
TDSAT stays Sony's disconnection notice to Tata Play, directs service provider to make interim payment of Rs 40 crore
Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal intervened in the Tata Play and Sony Pictures Networks India case. Tribunal directed Sony not to disconnect Tata Play services. Tata Play has been instructed to pay Rupees 40 crore to Sony as part payment. This payment addresses Sony's claimed dues of Rupees 128 crore.
TDSAT restrains Sony from disconnecting signals to Tata Play; directs interim payment of Rs 40 crore
TDSAT has blocked SPNI from disconnecting Tata Play, ordering the DTH operator to pay Rs 40 crore as part payment against SPNI's claimed dues of Rs 128 crore. The tribunal urged both parties to reconcile their disputes, addressing commercial disagreements over subscription renewal amid declining viewership and financial losses reported by Tata Play.
Airtel launches all-in-one OTT packs for prepaid users starting at Rs 279; Details here
Bharti Airtel has introduced all-in-one OTT entertainment packs for prepaid users in India, integrating access to over 25 streaming platforms like Netflix, JioCinema, and Zee5 into a single recharge. Starting at ₹279, these packs aim to simplify streaming access and enhance user experience.
Trai may review pricing method for backhaul airwaves
Trai is contemplating a revision in the pricing methodology for backhaul airwaves, potentially alleviating the financial strain on telecom operators, particularly Vodafone Idea. A consultation paper will soon be released to discuss modalities with stakeholders, including pricing for E and V bands. Vodafone Idea currently faces a higher financial burden due to its extensive use of backhaul carriers.
Airtel approaches Jio, VIL on joint telecom initiative against fraud
Airtel is urging Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea to join forces in a collaborative effort against rising telecom fraud. Citing over 1.7 million cybercrime complaints and significant financial losses this year, Airtel proposes a joint initiative to detect, prevent, and mitigate scams through real-time intelligence sharing and cross-network coordination, planned for May 14, 2025.
Satcom plans may come in at less than Rs 840 a month
Satellite communication providers like Starlink may introduce promotional unlimited data plans in India for under $10 per month, aiming for a large user base to offset high spectrum costs. However, capacity constraints of satellite constellations could hinder Starlink's market share ambitions in India, despite low pricing strategies. Satcom broadband remains significantly pricier than terrestrial options, posing a challenge for competitiveness.
Spammers call the shots as users stay silent
Many mobile users in India are still vulnerable to spam. Trai reports that only a small fraction of users have registered their communication preferences. This allows telemarketers to freely send unwanted messages. Trai encourages users to use its DND app to report spam and set preferences. New rules aim to penalize telecom operators for spam violations.
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