TRAI Calls for Distinct Network Authorisation for Telecom Infrastructure

18 Feb 2025 CW Team

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended that the Centre grant network authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, rather than entering into agreements with telecom entities. This authorisation, which would fall under section 3(1)(b) of the Act, should have its specific terms and conditions set out through separate rules, according to Trai.

The regulator has also proposed the introduction of Infrastructure Provider (IP) authorisation under the same section. Entities wishing to establish or operate dark fibres, right of way, duct space, and towers would need to secure this authorisation. Furthermore, a new Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) authorisation would be required for entities involved in wireline access networks, radio access networks (RAN), transmission links, and Wi-Fi systems.

These recommendations align with Trai’s earlier proposals for service authorisations, distinguishing between service authorisation—which defines the services a company can offer—and network authorisation, which pertains to the infrastructure used to deliver those services.

As part of a broader overhaul of the telecom licensing system, Trai had suggested creating three new categories of authorisations to align with the updated Telecom Act, 2023. However, telecom service operators, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea, have expressed concerns. They argue that replacing the current licensing regime, which is based on a contractual agreement with the government, could create regulatory uncertainty and undermine investor confidence. The operators have warned that the proposed changes could limit their contractual rights and restrict their ability to challenge new government-imposed terms and conditions.

News source: Business Standard

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..