The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has commenced consultations to establish a framework for authorizing telecom services under the recently enacted Telecommunication Act.
Under the Telecommunications Act of 2023, individuals seeking to offer telecommunication services must secure government authorization and adhere to specified terms, conditions, fees, and charges for both public and non-public services.
The consultation initiative was launched following a directive from the Department of Telecom to the TRAI on June 21. This directive requested recommendations on specific aspects of the authorization framework included in the new legislation.
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"A consultation paper on 'Framework for the Service Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023' has been placed on the TRAI's website for seeking comments/counter comments from stakeholders," the TRAI said.
Stakeholders have until August 1 to submit their comments and until August 8 to submit counter comments.
The regulatory framework for various telecommunication services is currently governed by the Indian Telegraph Act and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act. This framework is set to transition with the implementation of the Telecommunications Act, which was officially notified on June 26.
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The DoT has highlighted in its communication to the TRAI that provisions within the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and policies in related sectors, like space, could influence the terms and conditions for service authorizations under the Act.
Additionally, the DoT has tasked the TRAI with exploring the potential to streamline operations by reducing the number of authorizations and simplifying, merging, or rationalizing terms and conditions to enhance the ease of conducting business.
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