Tag: TRAI

  • Airtel, Jio, and Vi Ordered to Launch Voice-Only Recharge Plans Under New TRAI Rules

    Airtel, Jio, and Vi Ordered to Launch Voice-Only Recharge Plans Under New TRAI Rules

    TRAI Tightens Recharge Plan Requirements

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea to broaden their voice- and SMS-only recharge offerings. The new rules require telecom operators to provide calling- and messaging-only plans across shorter validity periods, giving customers who do not need mobile data more flexible options.

    The amended regulations take effect on October 21, 2026, after being officially notified on September 21. Under the framework, operators must offer voice-and-SMS-only options for validity periods of 30 days or less wherever comparable combined voice, SMS, and data plans exist.

    What Telecom Companies Must Do

    • Offer voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for validity periods of up to 30 days.
    • Provide a monthly plan that renews on the same date each month, or on the last day of the month when that date does not exist.
    • Introduce at least one longer-validity voice-and-SMS-only plan that matches existing long-duration data-inclusive offerings.

    Why TRAI Is Expanding Voice-Only Plans

    TRAI had earlier asked operators to offer at least one voice-and-SMS-only STV, but these plans were mostly concentrated around longer validity periods. That left limited choices for consumers who rely on basic phones, use Wi-Fi for data, keep a secondary SIM, or simply prefer not to pay for mobile internet.

    The regulator argues that these users should be able to pay only for the services they actually use. The consultation for the latest amendment drew 1,132 responses from telecom operators, industry bodies, consumer groups, and other stakeholders, followed by an Open House Discussion on June 15, 2026.

    Operator Concerns and Pricing Outlook

    Major telecom providers opposed the expanded mandate during consultations. Reliance Jio argued that existing tariff options were already sufficient and questioned the need for separate plans for every validity period.

    TRAI has not yet announced specific pricing for the new voice- and SMS-only plans. Instead, it has provided guidance for operators to adjust tariffs to reflect the removal of data, leaving room for market-driven pricing.

  • India’s Internet Growth Faces Undersea Cable Vulnerabilities

    India’s Internet Growth Faces Undersea Cable Vulnerabilities

    India’s rapid digital expansion relies heavily on a network of submarine cables that carry the vast majority of its international internet traffic. However, this critical infrastructure faces several vulnerabilities that could threaten the country’s connectivity ambitions.

    Undersea Cables: The Backbone of Global Internet

    Almost all intercontinental digital communication depends on submarine cables. For India, these cables link the country with Europe, Africa, West Asia, and Asia, enabling seamless international data flow.

    Concentration Near Mumbai Creates a Bottleneck

    At least 13 of India’s 18 intercontinental submarine cables land within roughly six kilometers of Mumbai’s Versova coast. This single landing zone handles a major share of the nation’s international bandwidth, making it a critical point of failure.

    Soaring Data Consumption

    India’s broadband subscriber base surpassed 1.06 billion in March 2026. Wireless data usage jumped from 73,324 PB to 77,953 PB in just one quarter, underscoring the relentless growth in demand.

    Aging Infrastructure

    About 11 of India’s 18 international cable systems are over 20 years old, approaching the end of their typical design life. This aging infrastructure adds strain as AI, cloud computing, and video traffic continue to surge.

    No Domestic Cable Repair Capability

    India currently lacks an Indian-flagged, Indian-owned, or India-stationed submarine cable repair vessel. Repairs depend on foreign operators and ships, leading to potential delays when faults occur.

    Risks of Cable Cuts

    A single cable fault does not immediately disrupt India’s internet—traffic can reroute through other paths. However, multiple cuts, congested alternatives, or slow repairs can degrade international connections, causing higher latency and slower speeds.

    Geopolitical Risks in the Red Sea

    Several key international routes traverse the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Damage in these regions forces traffic onto longer or more congested routes, adding pressure to global connectivity.

    New Projects Offer Hope

    Emerging cable projects aim to reduce dependence on Mumbai. The I-2SEA system will connect India with Malaysia and Singapore, with planned landings at Machilipatnam and South Chennai, targeting operational status by 2029.

    Need for Enhanced Repair Capacity

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended exploring Indian-flagged repair vessels and establishing cable depots on both the eastern and western coasts. Increasing landing sites, deploying newer cables, and speeding up repair systems are essential for building resilience.

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  • TRAI Investigates Airtel and Jio Complaints Over Vodafone Idea’s Porting Incentives

    TRAI Investigates Airtel and Jio Complaints Over Vodafone Idea’s Porting Incentives

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced it will review formal complaints filed by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio against Vodafone Idea. The complaints allege that Vodafone Idea offered special tariff benefits to customers who port their mobile numbers from rival networks, a practice the complainants argue violates regulatory guidelines.

    TRAI Chairman AK Lahoti confirmed on September 14 that the regulator received representations from the telecom operators and will examine the matter before deciding on further action. The regulator has not yet made any finding of wrongdoing against Vodafone Idea.

    What Airtel and Jio Have Alleged

    The core of the dispute centers on tariff benefits that were allegedly promoted exclusively for customers moving their numbers from Airtel or Jio to Vodafone Idea. Airtel and Jio contend that such offers incentivize switching and are not permitted under current rules. One complaint, sent to TRAI on September 2, explicitly asked the regulator to direct Vodafone Idea to cease promotional communications tied to these offers and to submit a compliance report confirming that all related advertisements, campaigns, and sales practices have been withdrawn.

    The issue revolves around Mobile Number Portability (MNP), which allows users to change operators while keeping their existing numbers, making it easier for operators to target customers already on a rival network. TRAI has previously taken a stance against tariff benefits offered exclusively to porting-in customers, stating in an earlier order that such pricing could amount to discriminatory tariff treatment under Clause 10 of the Telecommunication Tariff Order, 1999.

    Vodafone Idea Responds

    Vodafone Idea has denied any violation of rules. A company spokesperson said, “The company believes in fair competition and the strength of its products and the value delivered to customers, and that it conducts its business in compliance with the law.”

    TRAI did not specify what action it may take next. Lahoti also did not indicate whether the regulator would seek additional information from Vodafone Idea or convene discussions with the three operators. The matter remains at the complaint and review stage, with no final determination made.

  • India’s TRAI Opens Public Consultation on 5G Network Slicing Quality Standards to Safeguard User Experience

    India’s TRAI Opens Public Consultation on 5G Network Slicing Quality Standards to Safeguard User Experience

    India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) has invited public comments on a draft document outlining quality-of-service (QoS) benchmarks for 5G network slicing. This emerging technology is considered the backbone of future advanced mobile services in the country. According to TRAI, these new standards will ensure that 5G services do not degrade the quality of experience for ordinary mobile users.

    Network slicing enables telecom carriers to create multiple virtual networks on a single physical network. Each ‘slice’ can be configured for different use cases such as online gaming, cloud computing, factory automation, medical services, or emergency services. These slices have unique speed, latency, and reliability depending on their intended use case.

    TRAI Recommends Setting Up Separate Quality Standards

    In its draft guidelines, TRAI has made provisions to ensure that telecom operators offering network slicing adhere to defined quality standards for each slice. Simultaneously, operators must ensure that resource allocation to premium customers does not adversely impact service quality for other customers. The regulator said operators should continuously monitor network performance and maintain transparency about the quality levels promised under different service categories. The move aims to protect consumers as telecom companies begin introducing differentiated 5G services.

    Debate Over Net Neutrality Continues

    The consultation also revives the debate around net neutrality. Consumer groups argue that prioritized network services could create unequal internet access if premium users consistently receive better performance. Telecom companies, however, maintain that network slicing is a globally accepted 5G capability that enables specialized applications without violating net neutrality principles. They argue the technology is essential for monetizing large investments made in India’s 5G rollout and supporting enterprise use cases.

    Consultation Open Before Final Rules

    TRAI has consulted with telecom companies, industry associations, technology companies, and consumers before formulating the rules. The consultation is part of the regulator’s broader initiative to examine quality-of-service guidelines for mobile networks in India’s growing independent 5G network ecosystem. The regulatory structure is likely to define telecom operators’ approach to offering premium 5G services while ensuring ordinary consumers enjoy reliable mobile connectivity. With telecom companies seeking additional revenue sources, the regulator’s job is to promote innovations while maintaining consumer protection norms and an open internet philosophy.