TRAI extends deadline for comments on Network Authorisations consultation paper

The telecom authority TRAI has extended the last date to receive comments/ counter-comments on its Consultation Paper on the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a Consultation Paper on the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 on October 22, 2024. The last date for receiving written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper from stakeholders was fixed as November 12 and for countercomments as November 19.

Keeping in view the requests of some of the stakeholders for an extension of time for submission of comments, it has been decided to extend the last dates for submission of written comments and counter-comments up to 19.11.2024 and 26.11.2024 respectively.

In the 166-page consultation paper, comprising 37 questions, the authority has sought written comments and counter comments from the stakeholders on the issues raised in the consultation paper.

The consultation paper followed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) letter dated July 26 to TRAI.

DoT had approached the authority seeking recommendations on terms and conditions, including fees or charges, for authorisation to establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunications network as per the provisions of the Telecom Act, 2023.

In another letter dated October 17, DoT requested that TRAI consider authorising a satellite communication network under the Telecom Act, 2023.

In this regard, the consultation paper has been floated on the 'terms and conditions of network authorisations to be granted under the Telecom Act'23.

TRAI has sought comments on which telecommunication equipment/ elements should be included in the ambit of 'in-building solution' (IBS).

Additionally, in the paper, the authority has asked whether there is a need to merge the scopes of Infrastructure Provider-I (IP-I) and Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) authorisation into a single authorisation and if so, what should be the eligibility conditions for the grant of the merged authorisation, the scope of operation, validity period and terms and conditions for the same.

Further, the paper also asked stakeholders about Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG) authorisation.

It read, "Whether there is a need to make any changes in the eligibility conditions, area of operation, validity period of authorisation, scope, and terms & conditions (general, technical, operational, security) of the Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG) authorisation, as recommended by TRAI on November 29, 2022? If yes, what changes should be made in the eligibility conditions, area of operation, validity period of authorisation, scope, and terms & conditions (general, technical, operational, security etc.) of the SESG authorisation."