Telecom operators are engaging in discussions with officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regarding the implementation of new and stricter reporting regulations on base tower stations. These regulations, which came into effect recently, require operators to submit detailed information such as site location, radiating frequency, backhaul connectivity, and technology utilized for each base station. While TRAI is committed to upholding these rules without concessions, officials are receptive to hearing suggestions from telcos regarding potential time extensions for upgrading their IT systems to comply with the new requirements.
The objective behind these stringent reporting rules is to enhance the quality of service (QoS) in the telecom sector and address issues such as call drops. TRAI emphasizes that the data requested is not confidential and can be easily retrieved from telcos’ network operations centers. By collecting granular data on base tower stations, the regulator aims to improve accountability and better track fault lines in the network.
Under the new regulations, telecom companies are mandated to provide detailed information about each tower site within a specific geographical area, as listed in the local government directory. This includes data on the commissioning date of base stations, connectivity via fiber, and specifics of 5G infrastructure. Operators must furnish this information within 21 days of the end of each quarter.
Enhancing QoS has emerged as a top priority for TRAI, particularly in light of increasing instances of call drops. By shifting accountability to the district level, rather than the broader telecom circle level, TRAI aims to capture a more accurate picture of network performance. This granularity enables regulators to hold telcos accountable for prolonged outages at specific sites and take necessary actions to address them.
