Government

As Per New Telecom Act Rules, Telcos Must Give Access of Telecom Infra to Govt
Regulatory Telecom Infrastructure

As Per New Telecom Act Rules, Telcos Must Give Access of Telecom Infra to Govt

Telecom service providers (TSPs) must grant the government access to critical telecom infrastructure (CTI) under the new Telecom Act, 2023. The Act empowers the central government to designate telecom networks as CTI if their disruption could pose significant threats to national security, public health, the economy, or public safety.    Key Provisions of the Telecom Act, […]

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Indian Govt Won’t Interfere with Tariff Hikes from Jio, Airtel, and Vi
Telecom Industry

Indian Govt Won’t Interfere with Tariff Hikes from Jio, Airtel, and Vi

Private telecom operators in India, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), have recently raised tariffs for prepaid and postpaid mobile plans by 11-25% across various offerings. This hike has also affected the base plans, making the minimum recharge plans required to keep SIMs active more expensive.    Government’s Stance on Tariff Hikes […]

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Delay in Vi’s ₹25,000 Crore Funding Worsens Financial Struggles
Telecom Industry

Delay in Vi’s ₹25,000 Crore Funding Worsens Financial Struggles

Vodafone Idea (Vi) is grappling with worsening financial challenges as its ₹25,000 crore debt-funding plan faces significant delays, casting doubt on its ability to achieve a turnaround. The setback follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of Vi’s curative petition to recalculate its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, which has further strained the company’s financial outlook. Analysts […]

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In-Flight WiFi Above 3000m Permitted by Indian Govt
Broadband Top Broadband Related Reads

In-Flight WiFi Above 3000m Permitted by Indian Govt

The government clarified that in-flight passengers can access internet services via Wi-Fi only when electronic devices are permitted onboard, even after reaching an altitude of 3,000 meters in Indian airspace. According to the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018, in-flight service providers must enable mobile communication services above 3,000 meters to prevent interference with terrestrial […]

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Iraq in Talks with Foreign Companies for 5G Network Launch, One Year Post-Approval
5G/6G

Iraq in Talks with Foreign Companies for 5G Network Launch, One Year Post-Approval

The Iraqi government is reportedly in discussions with foreign companies to operate the country’s forthcoming 5G network, a year after the Iraqi Ministry of Communications approved the 5G plan.  According to a report by Iraqi News, Communications Minister Hiyam Al-Yasiri stated that talks are progressing following the cabinet’s approval of a task force, chaired by […]

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BSNL Promises Government About Network Deployment
Regulatory

BSNL Promises Government About Network Deployment

BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) officials have assured members of parliament (MPs) that the state-run telecom operator’s services will improve within six months, aiming to meet the target of deploying 1 lakh towers. This differs from Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s statement that BSNL is expected to reach this milestone by mid-2025.  MPs raised concerns over […]

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Government to Transfer 3,000 MTNL Employees to BSNL as Financial Crisis Deepens
Regulatory Telecom Industry

Government to Transfer 3,000 MTNL Employees to BSNL as Financial Crisis Deepens

With state-owned Mahanagar Telecom Nigam (MTNL) facing a financial crisis, the government has initiated steps to transfer over 3,000 employees to Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Officials familiar with the matter have also indicated that the government is considering offering employees a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS).  The move aims to […]

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Vi's Government and Bank Debt Increases in Q1 FY25
Telecom Industry

Vi’s Government and Bank Debt Increases in Q1 FY25

Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) released its performance results for Q1 FY25 on 12th Aug. Here, we’ll focus on the company’s net debt. Vodafone Idea’s debt to the government and banks increased in Q1 FY25, reversing the downward trend observed at the end of Q4 FY24. While a moderate increase in debt over the short term […]

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MTNL Requests Rs 1,151.65 Crore for Sovereign Guarantee Bonds
Telecom Industry

MTNL Requests Rs 1,151.65 Crore for Sovereign Guarantee Bonds from Government

Debt-ridden state-run telecom firm MTNL has requested Rs 1,151.65 crore to cover the interest payments on sovereign guarantee bonds for the current fiscal year, Parliament was informed on this.  In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar stated that the government has implemented several measures for the […]

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'Made in India' Telecom Equipment Now Exported to Over 100 Countries, Says Indian Government
Telecom Infrastructure

‘Made in India’ Telecom Equipment Now Exported to Over 100 Countries, Says Indian Government

The Indian government has announced that telecom equipment designed and manufactured domestically is now being exported to over 100 countries. Last year, these exports, along with telecom services, totaled more than USD 18.2 billion. Madhu Arora, Member (Technology) of the Digital Communications Commission in the Department of Telecom, highlighted that many Indian telecom companies have […]

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