Telecom Policy

25 Dec, 2019 Divesh Mishra

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is the apex authority of this industry. The industry has private sector as well as public sector players. Internet, landlines, all types of data transmission generating or ending in India as well as our ubiquitous mobile telephony fall under the jurisdiction of TRAI. Major players are MTNL, BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone and Reliance. Idea Cellular is getting merged with Vodafone. Airtel is the largest player while Jio is expanding at a fastest pace.

The National Digital Communication Policy for 2018 was declared by TRAI on the 11th July. The policy has these five principal points:

1. There will be Net Neutrality. That means internet will remain open. Government has committed to it warding off all doubts and speculation.

2. The government aims to provide 50 Mbps connectivity to all users by 2022. This includes 1 Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats by 2020 and 10 Gbps by 2022.

2. The government will provide 5 m WiFi hotspots by 2020 and 10 m by 2022.

3. The government proposed to attract USD 100 b investment in the sector and training and or reskilling for 1 m people.

4. IoT ecosystem for 5b devices under 5G network. Ensuring availability of spectrum for 5G services under easy and transparent licensing system.

5. Ensuring data security by encryption supported by legal and regulatory policies for world class cryptography in place.

6. Creating National Digital Grid for covering the entire country uniformly.

The policy has been sent for Cabinet approval and has been widely welcomed.