Latest news with #TelecommunicationAct
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
TRAI initiates discussion on assignment of microwave spectrum in lower 6 GHz, E and V Bands
New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Telecom regulator TRAI on Wednesday floated a consultation paper on assignment of the microwave spectrum in lower 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz bands, as well as E and V bands. TRAI has fixed June 25, 2025 as deadline for comments and July 9 for counter comments. You may be interested in "...a consultation paper on assignment of the microwave spectrum in 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band has been placed on the TRAI's website for seeking comments and counter-comments from stakeholders," the regulator said. In 2022, Department of Telecom (DoT) had approached TRAI to provide recommendations for assignment of spectrum in E&V bands and Microwave Access (MWA) as well as Microwave Backbone (MWB) spectrum in the said frequency bands. Post that, TRAI had released a consultation paper on assignment of spectrum in E&V bands, and Microwave Access (MWA) & Microwave Backbone (MWB) for soliciting comments of stakeholders on the subject. Meanwhile, the Telecommunication Act, 2023 was enacted in December 2023. In light of the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 in respect of radio backhaul for telecommunication services, TRAI, via a letter in February 2024, conveyed that the telecom department may want to review its 2022 reference. "In response, DoT, through a fresh reference letter dated 13.09.2024, while agreeing to the TRAI's observation that backhaul spectrum is a part of the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for which the assignment method would be administrative, requested TRAI to provide recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997," TRAI said. The aspects included demand assessment and scope of service/ usage for 57-64/ 66 GHz (V-band) and 71-76 GHz/ 81-86 GHz (E-band) and accordingly methodology of assignment of spectrum and associated terms and conditions. Other facets included spectrum charges and related terms and conditions such as spectrum cap, carrier aggregation for assignment of spectrum in the six bands for backhaul purposes of commercial telecom services. A typical public telecommunication network consists of the access network; core network; and backhaul links. The access network is the last mile connectivity to consumer devices, while core network connects the access network to global public networks. The backhaul links are used to connect the access network with the core network. In all, TRAI has put over 50 questions to stakeholders for views. These include level of demand of the spectrum in these traditional backhaul bands; the commercial services for which these bands should be assigned; and the method for such assignment. Other queries raised include the associated terms and conditions, validity period of assignment, and rollout obligations. "As the 7125-8400 MHz range in the 7 GHz band and the 14.8-15.35 GHz range in the 15 GHz band are being considered for IMT in WRC27, whether there is a need to review the usage of 7 GHz and 15 GHz microwave backhaul bands at this stage itself, or should the review be undertaken after considering the outcome of WRC-27," TRAI asked.
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
TRAI seeks stakeholders' input on microwave spectrum assignment for telecom services
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday released a Consultation Paper focusing on the assignment of microwave spectrum across several key frequency bands for commercial telecom services. These bands include the 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, and 21 GHz bands, as well as the E-Band and consultation paper of TRAI aims to gather the perspectives of stakeholders on various aspects related to the assignment of these microwave spectrum bands. The areas of focus include methodologies for assignment, associated terms and conditions, the quantum of spectrum to be earmarked for backhaul purposes (both commercial and non-commercial/captive use), and the feasibility of allowing low-power indoor consumer device-to-consumer device usage in the V-band on a license-exempt were also asked for comments on Spectrum charges and related terms and conditions, such as spectrum cap, carrier aggregation, etc., for the assignment of spectrum in the above-mentioned bands for backhaul purposes of commercial telecom services. The telecom regulator has also sought any other recommendations deemed fit for the purposes mentioned above using the mentioned bands for commercial telecom has invited written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper by June 25, 2024, and counter-comments by July 9, 2024. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback electronically to advmn@ follows a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) made on August 12, 2022, which asked TRAI to provide recommendations for the assignment of spectrum in the E&V Bands and for Microwave Access (MWA) and Microwave Backbone (MWB) spectrum within the 6/7/13/15/18/21 GHz frequency with the enactment of the Telecommunication Act, 2023 in December 2023, TRAI has revisited the matter. In a letter to DoT dated February 20, 2024, TRAI acknowledged the new legislation concerning radio backhaul for telecommunication services. (ANI)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TRAI seeks views on assignment of microwave spectrum in lower 6GHz, E&V-bands
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI ) on Wednesday floated a consultation paper to seek stakeholders' views on the assignment of the microwave spectrum in the lower 6GHz band, 7GHz, 15GHz, 18GHz, 21GHz bands, and E & V bands. In August 2022, the Department of Telecommunications had requested the telecom regulator to provide recommendations for the assignment of spectrum in E&V bands and microwave access (MWA) and microwave backbone (MWB) spectrum in frequency bands of 6GHz/7GHz/13GHz/15GHz/18GHz/21GHz. In this regard, TRAI released a consultation paper on the assignment of spectrum in E&V Bands, and Microwave Access (MWA) and Microwave Backbone (MWB) for stakeholders' inputs on the subject. However, in the meantime, the Central government enacted the Telecommunication Act, 2023, in December 2023. Subsequently, the telecom watchdog told DoT that a review may be needed on the abovementioned topic. In response, the DoT, through a fresh reference letter in September 2024, while agreeing to the TRAI's observation that backhaul spectrum is a part of the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for which the assignment method would be administrative, requested TRAI to provide recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997 on aspects such as demand assessment and scope of service or usage for V-band (57-66GHz) and E-band (81-86GHz), and the mode of assignment of spectrum and associated tersm and conditions. The DoT had also asked TRAI to provide its suggestions on spectrum charges and related terms & conditions, such as spectrum cap, carrier aggregation, etc., for the assignment of spectrum in lower 6GHz)/7GHz/13GHz/15GHz/18GHz/21GHz bands for backhaul purposes of commercial telecom services, and if there is any need to review the use of the 7GHz and 15GHz bands in view of consideration of these bands for Access using International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) after World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) - 2027. To this extent, stakeholders can submit their views on the consultation paper by June 25, and counter-comments by July 9.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
No mobile signal on underground Mumbai Metro; telecom firms cry foul at ‘monopoly' of operator
As complaints pour in from commuters regarding the non-availability of mobile network connectivity within the underground Mumbai Metro Line 3, also called Aqua Line, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has put the blame on what it describes as the 'monopolistic setup' developed by the Metro authorities. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the COAI made it clear that mobile network operators are quite keen on providing seamless connectivity along the underground section through an in-building solution (IBS) shared by all. However, they accuse Mumbai Metro of refusing them direct access and instead involving a third-party vendor at 'exorbitant' prices for deploying networks. Metro passengers on the recently opened BKC-Worli segment of Metro Line 3 have raised concerns about not being able to use their phones, surf, or access apps while on their underground ride, the most basic of needs for a technologically advanced city like Mumbai. 'Telecom service providers had offered to install the infrastructure free of cost and provide connectivity to commuters, while commercial terms could be worked out subsequently. This consumer-first proposal was ignored,' said Lt Gen Dr S P Kochhar, Director General of COAI. The association also stated that the current setup goes against the Right of Way (RoW) provisions under the new Telecommunication Act, which requires that public utilities cannot refuse access to service providers. COAI added that similar infrastructure deployments in public properties like the Central Vista and PWD tunnel in Delhi have been given permission for free, only for the sake of commuter convenience. According to Kochhar, the telecom service providers had even agreed to create a shared infrastructure to prevent duplication and accelerate rollout, but their bid was rejected. Instead, the Metro operator allegedly demanded provisioning connectivity via a single vendor at high fees for access — a model COAI described as 'extortionate and monopolistic.' Even as the services were being tested on a trial basis by the telecom operators awaiting final agreement, commuters are still experiencing poor or no connectivity inside underground stations and tunnels. Experts have cautioned that similar delays in offering mobile coverage would affect ridership as well as safety in the event of an emergency, in which case passengers might not be able to communicate. Responding to the allegations, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) stated that, because of the underground location of the Metro and space constraints, a common infrastructure model was essential and in sync with international and national practices. MMRC explained that the chosen vendor was appointed under an open tendering process and that all the key telecom players had tendered their agreement to participate through this shared infrastructure. 'The shortlisted contractor had invested a lot of money, and two telecom operators had even begun operations on Phase 1, which were later shut down abruptly. One has resumed later. It is neither advisable nor feasible to let each operator create its own infrastructure in tight tunnels,' a Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) spokesperson said, refuting allegations that it was not providing access. 'This is the same system applied to Indian metros and airports as well. Hence, it is absolutely denied that MMRC is not providing them access,' the spokesperson said. As Mumbai's underground Metro expands further, from BKC to Worli now, and is expected to extend till Cuffe Parade by August, commuters hope the dispute will be resolved soon to bring seamless digital access throughout the line.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- The Hindu
U.S. national arrested from Puducherry airport for carrying satellite phone
The Lawspet police have arrested a US national for carrying a satellite phone while trying to board a flight from Puducherry Airport. Police identified the national as Rachel Anne Scott, a resident of Missouri. She is a doctor and had come to visit a friend in Puducherry. While boarding an Indigo flight for her travel to Hyderabad, airport security personnel noticed the presence of a satellite phone in her bag. As carrying a satellite phone in our country was illegal, we took her into custody for questioning, Senior Superintendent of Police, Law and Order, R. Kalaivanan said. 'She was not aware of the illegality of carrying satellite phone without an authorisation from the competent authority. A case has been registered under the Telecommunication Act. The phone has been seized from her custody,' the officer said.
