Regulatory
Tariff Hike News- TRAI and Telecom Operators Clashes Over Tariff Plan Mandates
The ongoing dispute between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and leading telecom operators—Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and Reliance Jio—centers on how mobile plans are structured and the resulting impact on consumers and industry revenues. TRAI’s Perspective TRAI is increasingly concerned about the growing complexity of bundled plans, which combine voice, SMS, data, […]
Read More
Government’s Decision on Dues-to-Equity Conversion Sparks Industry Concerns
The government’s move to allow telecom licensees to convert statutory dues—including spectrum and adjusted gross revenue (AGR) liabilities—into equity has sparked calls for safeguards to prevent potential misuse, according to a recent report. Industry Reactions to the Centre’s Policy Shift Following the Centre’s decision to convert Vodafone Idea’s ₹36,950 crore spectrum dues into government equity, […]
Read More
After Vodafone Idea Government Equity Conversion, Airtel Demands the Same
Bharti Airtel has reportedly approached the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to convert a portion of its statutory dues into equity, leveraging provisions from the government’s 2021 telecom reforms package. The move aims to ensure a level playing field in the sector following the government’s decision to convert Vodafone Idea’s dues into equity, which increased its […]
Read More
TRAI Sets Guidelines for Critical IoT Use and SIM Transfer Regulations
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued fresh recommendations addressing critical services in the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) sector and the transfer of ownership of M2M SIMs. These recommendations follow a reference from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) dated January 1, 2024, seeking a review of TRAI’s earlier guidelines from September 2017. Background and Consultation […]
Read More
TRAI Mobile Subscriber Data January 2025- Jio and Airtel Gain Mobile Users, Vi and BSNL Continue to Lose Subscribers
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel added mobile subscribers in January 2025, while Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) reported continued user losses, according to data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Subscriber Additions Bharti Airtel led the month with a net addition of 16.5 lakh users, followed by Reliance […]
Read More
Airtel & Jio Leads in Telecom Network Quality Test Drive
On April 17, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) published findings from Independent Drive Tests (IDTs) conducted in February 2025 across six Licensed Service Areas (LSAs)—Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, UP-West, Gujarat, and Odisha. The tests, carried out by RedMango Analytics Private Limited on behalf of TRAI, covered major cities including Alappuzha, Dehradun, Shimla, […]
Read More
4G, 5G User to Get CNAP Service
In a move to tackle the growing threat of cyber fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed telecom operators to accelerate trials for the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service. This feature, which displays the caller’s name on the recipient’s phone even if the number isn’t saved, is set to be launched nationwide in phases. […]
Read More
DoT Defers Mandatory Broadband Equipment Testing Amid US Trade Talks
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has postponed the implementation of its mandatory broadband equipment testing and certification rule. This regulation requires that all broadband gear imported into India—such as Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs)—must be tested and certified for safety and security before being sold in the Indian market. The decision […]
Read More
SEBI Grants Government Exemption from Open Offer in Vodafone Idea Stake Hike
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted the central government an exemption from making an open offer after converting Vodafone Idea’s spectrum dues into equity. This move allows the government to increase its stake in the struggling telecom operator from 22.60% to 48.99% without triggering the mandatory offer to minority shareholders, as […]
Read More
Government Expands Telecom Connectivity Under Digital Bharat Nidhi
The Government of India is actively working to enhance internet-based telecom connectivity in rural and remote areas through various schemes under Digital Bharat Nidhi. One of the key initiatives is the 4G Saturation Project, which aims to ensure mobile coverage in every village across the country. Additionally, the BharatNet project is being implemented in phases […]
Read More