TRAI News: Proposed Bold Steps for Infrastructure and Spectrum Sharing

TRAI Proposes Groundbreaking Recommendations for Telecom Infrastructure and Spectrum Sharing

In a significant move aimed at revolutionising India's telecommunications landscape, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled comprehensive recommendations on 'Telecommunication Infrastructure Sharing, Spectrum Sharing, and Spectrum Leasing'. Released today, these recommendations mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of the country's telecom sector.

The genesis of these recommendations lies in the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) directive to TRAI, dating back to December 7, 2021, seeking guidance on permitting the sharing of core network elements among telecom operators. Subsequently, on February 10, 2022, DoT reiterated its stance, emphasising the need to promote optimal resource utilisation by allowing sharing of all telecom infrastructure and network elements among service providers licensed under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Responding to this call, TRAI embarked on a thorough consultation process, taking into account stakeholders' inputs and the broader objectives outlined in the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018. The consultation culminated in a detailed consultation paper issued on January 13, 2023, followed by an open house discussion in May of the same year.

After careful deliberation and analysis of stakeholder feedback, TRAI has formulated a set of recommendations that promise to reshape the telecom landscape. Among the key proposals are:

1. Comprehensive Infrastructure Sharing: TRAI proposes allowing telecommunication service licensees to share both passive and active infrastructure elements, facilitating efficient resource utilisation across the sector.
2. Extension of Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) Benefits: To expand telecommunication coverage in underserved areas, TRAI recommends mandating the sharing of passive infrastructure laid under USOF projects with multiple service providers, ensuring equitable access to government-funded infrastructure.
3. Mandatory Roaming in Remote Areas: Telecom providers that have built infrastructure in remote areas with government funding will be mandated to allow roaming access to other providers for an initial period of three years, alleviating connectivity challenges in these regions.
4. Inter-Band Spectrum Sharing: TRAI advocates for permitting inter-band spectrum sharing among access service providers, enhancing spectrum utilisation efficiency and improving service quality.
5. Exploration of Authorised Shared Access (ASA) Technique: TRAI suggests exploring ASA technique-based spectrum sharing, which allows secondary users to access spectrum assigned to government agencies or other entities, thereby optimising spectrum usage.
6. Introduction of Spectrum Leasing: In a bid to maximise spectrum utilisation, TRAI proposes permitting the leasing of access spectrum among service providers, fostering greater flexibility and efficiency in spectrum management.

These recommendations not only promise to drive cost efficiencies and accelerate time-to-market for telecom operators but also aim to bridge the digital divide by extending connectivity benefits to remote and underserved areas. Moreover, by advocating for spectrum leasing and inter-band sharing, TRAI lays the groundwork for a more robust and efficient spectrum management regime, ensuring enhanced service quality and coverage for consumers.

As India continues its journey towards digital transformation, the adoption of these recommendations could herald a new era of innovation, inclusivity, and progress in the telecom sector. With TRAI's proposals setting the stage for a more dynamic and competitive telecommunications landscape, the future of India's digital ambitions appears brighter than ever before.