Trai, telecom companies spar over data demand
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) and telecom operators are at odds over the telecom regulator's request for regular business data needed to monitor services and ensure rules are being followed, two people in the know said.
While Trai argues that data such as details for subscribers using specific recharge packs sought recently is essential for transparency and effective regulation, telcos have raised concerns over competitive sensitivity and the administrative burden they face for meeting those data sharing requests. This has led to a growing standoff between the two, one of the two people said.
'Trai is the sector regulator and its various divisions require data from telecom operators on a regular basis. This data is essential for Trai to check quality of service, compliance by the operators, competitive behaviour and most importantly to serve consumer interest," the second person said, adding that it is the obligation of telecom operators to share such information.
Also read:
Bharti Hexacom puts
₹
1,134 cr tower sale deal with
Indus Towers
on hold after TCIL intervenes
Under Section 12 of the Trai Act, 1997, the regulator has the right to call upon any service provider at any time to provide information or explanation relating to its affairs. The telecom operators, however, have raised concerns over this practice by Trai, especially on the diversity and increased cases of such requests by the regulator.
'The current operational framework requesting various data/reports by various divisions of Trai has raised significant procedural and business-related concerns that warrant immediate action of the authority," the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said in a letter dated 10 February to Trai secretary Atul Kumar Chaudhary.
Mint
has seen a copy of the letter. COAI represents major telecom operators such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea. Queries emailed to COAI and Trai on Wednesday morning did not elicit any response.
While COAI said the operators aim to support the regulatory process in the best possible manner, it said Trai should avoid asking for 'commercially sensitive" information. 'In certain cases, the data, information and presentations have been solicited with very short response timelines—which presents substantial operational challenges for TSPs (telecom service providers)," COAI said, adding that such short timelines put risk of either non-compliance to timelines or risk of information being submitted without adequate checks and balances.
Also read:
Telcos warn of network rollout delays as states lag on infra rules
'Yes, the telecom operators can seek time to provide information, but they should not suggest Trai to avoid making requests for business-sensitive information," said Satya N. Gupta, former principal advisor at Trai.
According to Gupta, Trai can request any information. If the telecom operator thinks the information sought is business sensitive, they can request that Trai keep it confidential and not share it with others.
In a five-point suggestion to Trai for seeking data, the telecom association said the regulator should do an impartial analysis to check for commercial sensitivity of the data before asking the telecom operators. 'Further, no data should be sought that is beyond the scope of the authority's powers and functions and pertains to other competent authorities like LEAs (law enforcement agencies)," COAI said.
Besides, the association has asked for adequate time to comply with certain data requests.
'Failure to comply (with Trai's directions) may result in Trai issuing show-cause notices (to the operators), initiating enforcement actions or recommending penal measures to the Department of Telecommunications, which may include financial penalties or action under the relevant license conditions," said Sukrit Kapoor, partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys.
'While operators may raise concerns about commercially sensitive data, they cannot unilaterally refuse disclosure. However, if an operator believes that Trai's request is excessive, arbitrary, or outside the scope of its powers, it may approach the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) under Section 14 of the Trai Act to seek relief," Kapoor added.
Lately, there have been multiple disputes between the regulator and the telecom operators. Trai recently imposed a
₹
141 crore financial disincentive on the operators due to their failure to curb spam. After operators approached the telecom tribunal, the penalty order was stayed.
'The next hearing of the case is on 25 July. Trai might seek an early hearing in the matter," said an official on the condition of anonymity.
Also read:
India's public wifi ambitions falters as telcos resist subsidising their rivals
In February, the telecom operators also criticized Trai's new rules to curb spam calls and messages, citing that the authority has substantially increased the penalty imposed on the TSPs for not curbing spam. According to operators, Trai has left over-the-top (OTT) communication apps like WhatsApp and telemarketers outside its regulatory framework.
The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) will engage with stakeholders to tackle spam over OTT platforms, according to a Trai release on 25 April. The regulator is currently deliberating the contours of bringing telemarketers under the regulatory ambit,the official cited above added
.
Last year, Reliance Jio argued that Trai should revise the consultation paper on satellite spectrum pricing. The telecom operator said the Trai consultation overlooked issues related to a level playing field between telecom operators and satellite companies as it did not consider the spectrum auction method for satellite internet services. Trai, however, dismissed Jio's request, citing that the Telecom Act already paved the way for administrative (non-auction) allocation of satellite spectrum.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
11 hours ago
- Economic Times
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator's prescribed rules and norms, according to Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti. TRAI is hoping for an early launch of the entire system, with Lahoti noting that the first round of empanelment could take place as soon as this month. Some projects and properties have already started making enquiries about the rating system, he told PTI. The proposed 'star rating' system will evaluate properties on digital connectivity, similar to green building or energy efficiency rating systems. New as well as existing buildings can be rated under the proposed system, and TRAI hopes that framework may even nudge builders to "retrofit" existing buildings with good digital connectivity infrastructure to get a favourable rating. To support this, TRAI is developing a digital platform and final property assessments will also be published on the regulator's website. Over time, TRAI expects the digital connectivity rating system to become a standard and key selling point for developers, builders on the one hand, and buyers or tenants on the other, given connectivity demands at workplace and homes. At present, dense construction in urban areas also makes connectivity a challenge in many locations. "We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework. We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies who can do the rating and the call for application is on. We have received applications from five agencies who have shown interest in getting empanelled as DCRAs. "We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating. After that, it is for any property manager to approach a rating agencies and get the rating," Lahoti said. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024. According to TRAI, the rating manual will enable adoption of uniform assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies for rating of properties. It will also provide a standard reference for the property managers for creation of digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) in their properties. Buildings shall be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation -- fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, and wi-fi infrastructure, service performance among others. The regulator had also submitted its recommendations to the government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity' in February 2023, with an aim to create an ecosystem for building of DCI as a part of any development activity. TRAI has also released the regulation Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 in October last year to bring a framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity. The idea is to promote creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach. "The two things -- regulations and policy framework are not contingent upon each other, they are complementary. The regulation is already in force, and the rating of properties can start. The policy framework enabling provisions in the national building code and in the model building bylaws, can process concurrently," he said. Industry estimates show that more than 80 per cent of the data consumption takes place inside building premises, Lahoti said, emphasising that robust and reliable digital connectivity inside buildings is essential to meet connectivity requirement and consumer expectations. "This is very important as far as the telecom quality is concerned. The provision of in-building solution inside the building premises will complement the network being provided outside by the telecom service providers," Lahoti said. Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials. "Today, when anybody buys or rents a flat, or maybe rents office premises, and the moment they occupy it, the first problem that they may encounter is connectivity. Imagine buying or renting an expensive flat, and when you move in, you find that your mobile (connectivity) is not working, or you don't have internet connectivity in the rooms... "In today's world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution... But the good thing is that all this is solvable by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings," he told PTI. Emphasising that it is important that property developers now start working on these lines, Lahoti said, "In order to nudge the property developers or the project proponents to provide good digital connectivity inside built premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with regulation." There is no limit on the number of DCRAs who can be empanelled so long as agencies qualify the stipulated norms, Lahoti said. "The rating itself will be in form of star rating. So a property meeting all the norms and in the highest range will get a five-star rating... the property with poor digital connectivity may get one star. This is very similar to our green building rating system as well as the energy efficiency rating of appliances where star ratings are available, and you can make out by way of rating how where the appliance or the property stand," he said. TRAI is keen to roll out the entire system "fast". "If we get the right initiatives from various project proponents, in this regard, in a matter of few years, people will become aware about this, and more and more properties will look to get this rating," the TRAI chief added. PTI
The Print
11 hours ago
- The Print
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
Some projects and properties have already started making enquiries about the rating system, he told PTI. TRAI is hoping for an early launch of the entire system, with Lahoti noting that the first round of empanelment could take place as soon as this month. New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator's prescribed rules and norms, according to Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti. The proposed 'star rating' system will evaluate properties on digital connectivity, similar to green building or energy efficiency rating systems. New as well as existing buildings can be rated under the proposed system, and TRAI hopes that framework may even nudge builders to 'retrofit' existing buildings with good digital connectivity infrastructure to get a favourable rating. To support this, TRAI is developing a digital platform and final property assessments will also be published on the regulator's website. Over time, TRAI expects the digital connectivity rating system to become a standard and key selling point for developers, builders on the one hand, and buyers or tenants on the other, given connectivity demands at workplace and homes. At present, dense construction in urban areas also makes connectivity a challenge in many locations. 'We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework. We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies who can do the rating and the call for application is on. We have received applications from five agencies who have shown interest in getting empanelled as DCRAs. 'We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating. After that, it is for any property manager to approach a rating agencies and get the rating,' Lahoti said. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024. According to TRAI, the rating manual will enable adoption of uniform assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies for rating of properties. It will also provide a standard reference for the property managers for creation of digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) in their properties. Buildings shall be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation — fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, and wi-fi infrastructure, service performance among others. The regulator had also submitted its recommendations to the government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity' in February 2023, with an aim to create an ecosystem for building of DCI as a part of any development activity. TRAI has also released the regulation Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 in October last year to bring a framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity. The idea is to promote creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach. 'The two things — regulations and policy framework are not contingent upon each other, they are complementary. The regulation is already in force, and the rating of properties can start. The policy framework enabling provisions in the national building code and in the model building bylaws, can process concurrently,' he said. Industry estimates show that more than 80 per cent of the data consumption takes place inside building premises, Lahoti said, emphasising that robust and reliable digital connectivity inside buildings is essential to meet connectivity requirement and consumer expectations. 'This is very important as far as the telecom quality is concerned. The provision of in-building solution inside the building premises will complement the network being provided outside by the telecom service providers,' Lahoti said. Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials. 'Today, when anybody buys or rents a flat, or maybe rents office premises, and the moment they occupy it, the first problem that they may encounter is connectivity. Imagine buying or renting an expensive flat, and when you move in, you find that your mobile (connectivity) is not working, or you don't have internet connectivity in the rooms… 'In today's world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution… But the good thing is that all this is solvable by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings,' he told PTI. Emphasising that it is important that property developers now start working on these lines, Lahoti said, 'In order to nudge the property developers or the project proponents to provide good digital connectivity inside built premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with regulation.' There is no limit on the number of DCRAs who can be empanelled so long as agencies qualify the stipulated norms, Lahoti said. 'The rating itself will be in form of star rating. So a property meeting all the norms and in the highest range will get a five-star rating… the property with poor digital connectivity may get one star. This is very similar to our green building rating system as well as the energy efficiency rating of appliances where star ratings are available, and you can make out by way of rating how where the appliance or the property stand,' he said. TRAI is keen to roll out the entire system 'fast'. 'If we get the right initiatives from various project proponents, in this regard, in a matter of few years, people will become aware about this, and more and more properties will look to get this rating,' the TRAI chief added. PTI MBI TRB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI ) has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator's prescribed rules and norms, according to Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti . TRAI is hoping for an early launch of the entire system, with Lahoti noting that the first round of empanelment could take place as soon as this month. Some projects and properties have already started making enquiries about the rating system, he told PTI. The proposed 'star rating' system will evaluate properties on digital connectivity, similar to green building or energy efficiency rating systems. New as well as existing buildings can be rated under the proposed system, and TRAI hopes that framework may even nudge builders to "retrofit" existing buildings with good digital connectivity infrastructure to get a favourable rating. To support this, TRAI is developing a digital platform and final property assessments will also be published on the regulator's website. Over time, TRAI expects the digital connectivity rating system to become a standard and key selling point for developers, builders on the one hand, and buyers or tenants on the other, given connectivity demands at workplace and homes. At present, dense construction in urban areas also makes connectivity a challenge in many locations. "We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework. We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies who can do the rating and the call for application is on. We have received applications from five agencies who have shown interest in getting empanelled as DCRAs. "We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating. After that, it is for any property manager to approach a rating agencies and get the rating," Lahoti said. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations , 2024. According to TRAI, the rating manual will enable adoption of uniform assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies for rating of properties. It will also provide a standard reference for the property managers for creation of digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) in their properties. Buildings shall be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation -- fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, and wi-fi infrastructure, service performance among others. The regulator had also submitted its recommendations to the government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity' in February 2023, with an aim to create an ecosystem for building of DCI as a part of any development activity. TRAI has also released the regulation Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 in October last year to bring a framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity. The idea is to promote creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach. "The two things -- regulations and policy framework are not contingent upon each other, they are complementary. The regulation is already in force, and the rating of properties can start. The policy framework enabling provisions in the national building code and in the model building bylaws, can process concurrently," he said. Industry estimates show that more than 80 per cent of the data consumption takes place inside building premises, Lahoti said, emphasising that robust and reliable digital connectivity inside buildings is essential to meet connectivity requirement and consumer expectations. "This is very important as far as the telecom quality is concerned. The provision of in-building solution inside the building premises will complement the network being provided outside by the telecom service providers," Lahoti said. Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials. "Today, when anybody buys or rents a flat, or maybe rents office premises, and the moment they occupy it, the first problem that they may encounter is connectivity. Imagine buying or renting an expensive flat, and when you move in, you find that your mobile (connectivity) is not working, or you don't have internet connectivity in the rooms... "In today's world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution... But the good thing is that all this is solvable by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings," he told PTI. Emphasising that it is important that property developers now start working on these lines, Lahoti said, "In order to nudge the property developers or the project proponents to provide good digital connectivity inside built premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with regulation." There is no limit on the number of DCRAs who can be empanelled so long as agencies qualify the stipulated norms, Lahoti said. "The rating itself will be in form of star rating. So a property meeting all the norms and in the highest range will get a five-star rating... the property with poor digital connectivity may get one star. This is very similar to our green building rating system as well as the energy efficiency rating of appliances where star ratings are available, and you can make out by way of rating how where the appliance or the property stand," he said. TRAI is keen to roll out the entire system "fast". "If we get the right initiatives from various project proponents, in this regard, in a matter of few years, people will become aware about this, and more and more properties will look to get this rating," the TRAI chief added. PTI
