I am happy to have shared my inputs on the TRAI Consultation Paper seeking comments on how to frame terms and conditions for telecommunication services under the new Telecommunications Act, 2023, with Aditi Agrawal in Hindustan Times.
Do have a look, Aditi does a great job of summarizing the main issues considered in the paper.
#TRAI#Telecom#Licensing#Techpolicy
Given that out of 144cr population there are 114cr mobile users
and only 65cr smart-phone users unnecessary bundling of data charges to simple rural users is Unwarranted. TRAI should look in to this.
DoT has Set Minimum 5G Spectrum Rollout Obligation for Telcos, Let's Understand what they are:
It is different for both 3.3 GHz and 26 GHz bands.
The obligations have been distributed in three phases:
- Phase 1 = end of 1 year
- Phase 2 = end of 3 years
- Phase 3 = end of 5 years
Telcos have to deploy 5G in at least one city of each telecom circle or licensed service area (LSA) by the end of year 1 or phase 1 using both 3.3 GHz and 26 GHz frequencies.
There are penalties set for not meeting the obligations. Also, if you are wondering what happens to Airtel and Jio who have already met their obligations using the spectrum from the previous auctions, then head to this link as I have covered everything here - https://lnkd.in/dRY_yi3r
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released the much-awaited consultation paper on the Framework for Service authorizations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
https://lnkd.in/gf-qVvYB
The paper addresses nearly all aspects of the existing telecom licensing framework and some previous TRAI recommendations, presenting a great opportunity to streamline and consolidate India's telecom licensing architecture. It also allows existing regulated entities to rationalize their compliance requirements. This paper's development could significantly impact India's telecom sector and the Digital India initiative.
In this context, 20 days seems very short for submitting questions on 61 questions covering nearly all aspects of the current telecom regulation framework. This issue definitely deserves more time. As I had written earlier, how "authorisation" is conceptualised under this Act will help to evaluate the overall impact of the Telecom Act 2023. Hopefully, the timeline will be extended.
Interestingly, the paper seems to follow the previous Minister of Communications' public position on excluding OTT services from the framework, as this consultation paper doesn't appear to make any direct reference to them.
I'm happy to hear any thoughts/views on this
#TRAI#Telecom#DigitalIndia#Techpolicy#Regulation
Spectrum is one of the fundamental elements of the telecom business. Therefore, how it is allocated and the way its price is formulated for commercial use have a direct impact on the kind of quality of services (QoS) experienced by the customers. Robi’s EVP, Network Planning Syed Md. Samshur Rahman has penned a seminal article on this topic that brings to light the improvement areas for ensuring better QoS. Please have a read for a detailed understanding.
#SpectrumAllocation#SpectrumPricing#QualityofServices#SmartBangladesh
Spectrum is one of the fundamental elements of the telecom business. Therefore, how it is allocated and the way its price is formulated for commercial use have a direct impact on the kind of quality of services (QoS) experienced by the customers. Robi’s EVP, Network Planning Syed Md. Samshur Rahman has penned a seminal article on this topic that brings to light the improvement areas for ensuring better QoS. Please have a read for a detailed understanding.
#SpectrumAllocation#SpectrumPricing#QualityofServices#SmartBangladeshhttps://lnkd.in/gXiDV7Mm
I spoke to Aditi Agrawal from Hindustan Times on the Digital Bharat Nidhi Rules (DBN Rules), the first set of rules notified under the Telecommunications Act, 2024.
The rules replace rule 523 and 526 of the telegraph rules relating to conditions for collection of funds under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and replace the terminology with the 'Digital Bharat Nidhi Fund' which will now be managed by an Administrator to ensure utilization of funds for telecom connectivity. The notified rules are largely similar to the draft rules released earlier by the DoT, and provide the following:
➡ Rule 3: More powers granted to the Administrator to decide on use of funds, such as deciding allocation either by bidding or by invitation, engaging consultants to ensure efficient use and evaluation, conduct pilot studies, settle claims between implementers, create a digital portal to enable implementers to provide services and facilitate reporting of schemes & projects.
➡ Rule 4: The administrators can decide modalities for funding of schemes & projects on a case to case basis, including full or partial funding, co-funding-risk capital.
➡ The end use of DBN has been considerably expanded. Rule 4 prescribes that funds will be allocated for targeted access of telecom services to underserved groups like women, persons with disabilities etc.
➡ Further, Rule 5 provide the extended end-use scenarios such as (i) promotion of innovation, research and development of indigenous technology and equipment; (ii) encourage start-ups in telecom sector; (iii) create linkages between academia and the private sector to build the telecom ecosystem, and (iv) build telecom research standards & manufacturing facilities.
The USOF regime was criticized for under-utilization of funds - as of 2024, the USOF fund had INR 80,000 crore lying unused. While the measures above may help in ensuring appropriate utilization going forward, it may be disappointing for the market participants to know that requests for suspension of further levy of DBN fees till such time USOF funds are used, have not been accepted by the DoT.
Thanks Amulya Bhatia for your help on this one!
#telecommunicationlaw#telecomlaw#telecommunicationsact2024#digitalbharatnidhirules#usof#departmentoftelecommununications#telecomrules#dbnrules#telegraphact
New: DoT has notified the first set of rules under the Telecom Act, the Digital Bharat Nidhi Rules, to replace USOF. They are largely the same as the draft rules. To maintain continuity, the USOF administrator will become the DBN administrator.
Shorter story appeared in paper on September 1 with comments from Aprajita Rana (screenshot of article in comments)
Updated link:
Thailand’s telecom regulator urges National Telecom to submit a business plan before its spectrum expires
#Thailand's telecom regulator (NBTC), is urging the state enterprise telco National Telecommunications Pcl. (NTPLC) to submit a business plan before it’s three spectrum frequencies #850MHz, #2100MHz and #2300MHz expires next year.
NBTC Board Commissionaire for Telecom Business, Mr. Sompop Phuriwikraiphong said, that within the second quarter of this year, the NBTC will issue a #spectrummanagement plan or roadmap to introduce the 850 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz frequencies to be auctioned.
“I have already talked with Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President of NT. He is expected to send the plan soon. When he has a plan for how to move forward, he will then be able to request a budget framework from the government for further investment. The spectrum must be auctioned by law, but it should not be expensive because the burden will fall on the consumer.”
For the spectrum auction framework, once NT's plan has been obtained, two hearings will be organized to know opinions and needs of the private sector, and whether they are still interested in the spectrum auction or not.
"Personally, I think the 850 MHz and 2300 MHz frequencies are less interesting, while the 3500 MHz spectrum has a more business-ready ecosystem for the private operator. Regarding NT's 2100 MHz spectrum, it will only return 15 MHz bandwidth to the NBTC. We may wait another 2 years because then the 2100 MHz spectrum of AIS, TRUE/DTAC will expire [2027], and must be returned to the NBTC. "
Back in October, Sompop Phuriwikraiphong said the important issue and policy for the NBTC, is to promote the creation of mobile virtual network operators (#MVNO). “But there has been problems from high cost of MVNOs purchasing access to spectrum or not getting any access at all from the private network operators. The NBTC therefore has to hasten to issue policies to encourage the launch of MVNOs, in order to create an alternative access to telecommunications services”.
Dr. Prawit Leesathapornwongsa, advisor to the NBTC and former NBTC Commissionaire, said the NBTC board must expedite is preparation for dealing with NT's three frequencies to not cause suffering to the people.
Here is a framework for a plan to strengthen the role of NT, as a neutral player by allowing it to retain its spectrum and partner with a Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (#MVNA) and enabler (#MVNE), to establish a National Wholesale Network (NWN), as a solution to enable competition into the market via Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO).
https://lnkd.in/gumd8-AH
This approach can foster competition, drive innovation, utilize existing infrastructure, benefit consumers and enterprises by providing them with more choices and innovative mobile services.
#WeNeedMVNOs#LeaveNoOneBehindhttps://lnkd.in/gAjmD7WS
The spectrum of National Telecom in Thailand does not need to be auctioned. An auction would be unable to perform to the best advantage
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – – 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙨
Although Section 45 of the Frequency Allocation Act stipulates, that spectra must be allocated only through auctions, and that after expiry of concessions, spectra must be returned to the #NBTC for reallocation, there is precedent, as the NBTC gave TOT (now NTPLC) permission in 2015 to operate 4G on 60 MHz of the 2300 MHz band spectrum until 2025, as part of a deal, where TOT handed in its 17.5-MHz block on 900 MHz, so the NBTC could hold a "4G" auction.
In addition, a set of amendments was added to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission Act, in late 2021. A royal decree that ”𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮,” was formulated based on Section 30 of the amended Act.
NBTC received recommendations from the House of Representatives and the Senate, to add the definition of “technology convergence” stipulated in the legislation, "as the infusion of technologies for the benefit of the country, people and economy."
Along with it, the NBTC also drafted four new regulations:
- Criteria for spectrum license transfer,
- Criteria for allocating spectrum ranges other than from auctions,
- Criteria for applying for business licenses,
- An amendment to the Spectrum Management Master Plan.
Spectrum Auction
AIS and TRUE will probably challenge a decision to let NT keep its spectrum, with the help from GSMA (the lobby organization of mobile network operators), citing the need for the spectrum to be auctioned instead for their version of “economical benefits” and the “digital economy”.
However, the following needs to be considered:
- There are only two operators in the market = only two bidders.
- The two operators have already shown signs of collusion i.e. on pricing and packages, as well anti-competitive behaviors towards MVNOs access.
- AIS and TRUE sent similar worded letters to the NBTC about the need for a reprieve on their 900 MHz licensing payment, which was granted by adding another five-year instalment period, and an interest rate of only 1.5% for the extension period. The controversial extension meant that around THB 19 billion – supposed to benefit the public went to the benefits of the telecom operators.
- NBTC failed to regulate on the TRUE/DTAC merger. It also didn't introduce any #spectrumdivestment in the conditions on the merger, and has not followed up on the merger conditions it did make (i.e. MVNO access)
As such, an auction would be unable to perform to the best advantage.
Thailand’s telecom regulator urges National Telecom to submit a business plan before its spectrum expires
#Thailand's telecom regulator (NBTC), is urging the state enterprise telco National Telecommunications Pcl. (NTPLC) to submit a business plan before it’s three spectrum frequencies #850MHz, #2100MHz and #2300MHz expires next year.
NBTC Board Commissionaire for Telecom Business, Mr. Sompop Phuriwikraiphong said, that within the second quarter of this year, the NBTC will issue a #spectrummanagement plan or roadmap to introduce the 850 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz frequencies to be auctioned.
“I have already talked with Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President of NT. He is expected to send the plan soon. When he has a plan for how to move forward, he will then be able to request a budget framework from the government for further investment. The spectrum must be auctioned by law, but it should not be expensive because the burden will fall on the consumer.”
For the spectrum auction framework, once NT's plan has been obtained, two hearings will be organized to know opinions and needs of the private sector, and whether they are still interested in the spectrum auction or not.
"Personally, I think the 850 MHz and 2300 MHz frequencies are less interesting, while the 3500 MHz spectrum has a more business-ready ecosystem for the private operator. Regarding NT's 2100 MHz spectrum, it will only return 15 MHz bandwidth to the NBTC. We may wait another 2 years because then the 2100 MHz spectrum of AIS, TRUE/DTAC will expire [2027], and must be returned to the NBTC. "
Back in October, Sompop Phuriwikraiphong said the important issue and policy for the NBTC, is to promote the creation of mobile virtual network operators (#MVNO). “But there has been problems from high cost of MVNOs purchasing access to spectrum or not getting any access at all from the private network operators. The NBTC therefore has to hasten to issue policies to encourage the launch of MVNOs, in order to create an alternative access to telecommunications services”.
Dr. Prawit Leesathapornwongsa, advisor to the NBTC and former NBTC Commissionaire, said the NBTC board must expedite is preparation for dealing with NT's three frequencies to not cause suffering to the people.
Here is a framework for a plan to strengthen the role of NT, as a neutral player by allowing it to retain its spectrum and partner with a Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator (#MVNA) and enabler (#MVNE), to establish a National Wholesale Network (NWN), as a solution to enable competition into the market via Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO).
https://lnkd.in/gumd8-AH
This approach can foster competition, drive innovation, utilize existing infrastructure, benefit consumers and enterprises by providing them with more choices and innovative mobile services.
#WeNeedMVNOs#LeaveNoOneBehindhttps://lnkd.in/gAjmD7WS
Significant growth is anticipated in the global Fixed Wireless Access market, with FWA subscriptions expected to surge to nearly 265 million by 2029, a 14% compound annual growth rate.
Product Manager-Haz360® EHS Risk Mgt., BRSR Cloud® ESG Sustainability, Catalyst - Enabler - Organiser, AI enabled Go To Market Specialist, Agile/Scrum, Pre-Sales in ITO/BPO, Social Startup Entrepreneur (PwD inclusion)
5moGiven that out of 144cr population there are 114cr mobile users and only 65cr smart-phone users unnecessary bundling of data charges to simple rural users is Unwarranted. TRAI should look in to this.