TRAI proposes unified telecom service authorisation, excluding OTT

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a 'unified service authorisation', which would encompass a wide range of telephony services, including mobile, satellite, landline, broadband, and internet services. This recommendation is part of the recently released framework on service authorisations, although it notably does not explicitly address over-the-top (OTT) services.

The proposed unified authorisation aims to streamline regulatory processes and provide greater operational flexibility for service providers. This change is expected to simplify the landscape for telecommunications services in India, promoting efficiency and encouraging innovation.

In addition to the unified authorisation, TRAI's extensive recommendations—spanning over 350 pages—detail terms and conditions for 14 different service authorisations, collectively amounting to 440 pages. The Central Government is advised to grant service authorisation under Section 3(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, rather than through individual agreements.

The recommendations categorize authorisations into three main types: Main Service Authorisations covering primary telecommunication services, Auxiliary Service Authorisations aimed at enterprise users, and Captive Service Authorisations for establishing captive networks.

Financial adjustments include significant reductions in entry fees to stimulate competition and attract new providers. The entry fee for various authorisations has been lowered, with notable reductions for Access Service Authorisation and Internet Service Authorisation.

TRAI also emphasizes merging and simplifying existing authorisations, such as combining National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) services into a single "Long Distance Service Authorisation." Furthermore, the recommendations call for transparency in regulatory changes, requiring TRAI’s input for any substantial amendments to authorisation terms.

Entities are permitted to share infrastructure and utilize cloud services from authorized providers in India, enhancing cost efficiency and network resilience. Additionally, the provision for emergency SOS messaging via satellite has been reaffirmed under the new framework.

These recommendations aim to create a more dynamic telecom landscape in India by reducing entry barriers, enhancing service scope, and ensuring regulatory stability. As the sector evolves, these changes are expected to foster competition and innovation in telecommunications services nationwide.