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The Economic Times

Trai tightens quality of service norms

TRAI has mandated telecom companies to submit compliance reports from October 1, despite opposition. The new rules aim to improve service quality and impose higher penalties for non-compliance. Telcos must report quarterly on fixed, wireless, and broadband services, with increased fines for rule violations.

The Economic Times

Trai moots single authorisation for all telecom services

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has proposed a unified authorisation for satellite telecommunication, merging VSAT and GMPCS licences. This would allow entities to offer various telecom services under one authorisation. The proposal includes reducing entry fees and eliminating renewal fees, aiming to replace the current licensing regime if accepted by the government.

The Economic Times

Trai recommends overhaul of telecom licensing regime

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has proposed a unified authorisation regime for telecom services, including mobile, internet, and satellite. This overhaul aims to simplify the licensing process and reduce entry fees. The proposal excludes over-the-top services and suggests merging various service categories to streamline operations.

Business Standard

Airtel Business inks pact with Sparkle to enhance connectivity with Europe

Airtel Business, the B2B arm of telecom major Bharti Airtel, has inked a pact with Italy-based global operator Sparkle to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe. As part of the partnership, Airtel will take capacity from Sparkle on the Blue-Raman Submarine Cable Systems, which will connect India to Italy. Under Sparkle's Blue-Raman cable system, Blue is deployed across Italy, France, Greece and Israel, while Raman connects Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Oman and India. "With this additional capacity, Airtel will further diversify its global network across multiple international submarine cable systems to serve the growing demand for data services in India and neighbouring countries," a company statement said. The partnership will also work on the development of new business opportunities and projects in the Indian sub-continent, leveraging Airtel and Sparkle's respective cable infrastructures, the statement said. Airtel Business Global Business CEO Vani Venkatesh said the .

Business Standard

Eyeing 10% share of worldwide patents in 6G services: Minister Scindia

After the fastest 5G rollout, India is targeting a tenth of all worldwide patents in sixth generation mobile services, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia said on Wednesday. He was delivering a keynote address at the 51st edition of the AIMA National Management Convention here. "Whilst we have the fastest growing 5G network in the world, in 22 months building out 4.5 lakh 4G towers, building out our own 4G technology for BSNL, we are also embarking on our path towards 6G by setting up the Bharat 6G Alliance. "Our target is to ensure 10 per cent of international worldwide patents for India in 6G through this Bharat 6G alliance in the days to come," he said. India has emerged as a beacon of hope and stability amid tremendous amount of global economic and social turbulence, the minister said. "She (India) today is rising on the world stage, no longer an embodiment of a struggling economy, but an economy that is on the rise, an economy that is rising like a phoenix in the co

The Economic Times

Jio expands video content security partnership with Verimatrix

India's largest telecom network, Jio, has enhanced the security of its connected TV video platform by expanding its collaboration with Verimatrix. This partnership integrates Verimatrix’s security services across Jio’s premium video offerings, ensuring secure multiscreen access for customers and protecting content from piracy.

The Economic Times

ET Graphics: Jio's disruptive entry revolutionised India's telecom market

When Reliance Industries launched its telecom services under the Jio brand in September 2016, it disrupted the market by offering free voice and data services. This move forced major competitors like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea Cellular into consolidation. Eight years later, India now boasts some of the lowest telecom tariffs and the highest data consumption globally.

Business Standard

DoT asks M2M service providers to register by Sep 30 or face disruption

The Department of Telecom has asked unregistered machine-to-machine service providers to register by month-end, as non-registration may lead to disruption of services, an official statement said on Tuesday. As of June 30, there were 5.2 crore M2M cellular mobile connections. "Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has urged all unregistered M2M Service Providers (M2M SPs) and WPAN/WLAN (devices connected wirelessly) Connectivity Providers for M2M Services, to register with DoT immediately and latest by September 30, 2024, to avoid disruption of their M2M services. "Non-compliance may lead to withdrawal or disconnection of telecom resources obtained from the Authorised Telecom Licensees," the statement said. The segment is dominated by Bharti Airtel with 2.82 crore connections with a market share of 53.86 per cent, followed by Vodafone Idea Limited, Reliance Jio and BSNL with a market share of 27.77, 12.80 and 5.58 per cent, respectively. M2M services comprise devices that can be .

The Economic Times

Trai's crackdown on pesky calls: Telcos block 2.75 lakh telephone numbers, 50 firms

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has disconnected 2.75 lakh telephone numbers and blocked services to 50 entities in a crackdown on spam calls and unregistered telemarketers. This action follows a significant rise in complaints, with over 7.9 lakh reported in the first half of 2024, aiming to provide relief to consumers.

Business Standard

Rs 80,000 crore 'Digital Bharat Nidhi' fund to boost urban telecom services

To secure the funds, the projects have to meet certain criteria, such as improving telecom service affordability and security

The Economic Times

Digital Bharat Nidhi to fund provisioning of telecom services in urban areas now

The Rs 80,000 crore Digital Bharat Nidhi will now support telecommunication services in urban areas with added benchmarks for affordability and enhanced security. The former Universal Services Obligation Fund has been expanded to support innovation, research, and green technologies, furthering India's mission of becoming digitally connected and self-reliant by 2047.

Business Standard

Enforce traceability, privacy norms on internet call, messaging apps: COAI

The government should enforce traceability and user privacy rules on WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Meet as well as other calling and messaging apps along with telecom operators as such platforms provide similar services using internet network, industry body COAI said. Telecom operators want the government and regulator to enforce message traceability and user privacy rule on these apps to curb spam and illegal activities as majority of messaging traffic has moved to data networks from SMS, COAI said. In a recent direction, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has mandated telecom operators to enhance message traceability. The regulator has mandated that the trail of all messages from senders to recipients must be traceable from November 1, 2024. Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and others, said that while the telecom service providers are working jointly with the Trai and the other stakeholders on th

The Economic Times

Telecom services suspension not exceed 15 days, must specify reason: Ministry

The Ministry of Communications has said any temporary suspension of telecom services must detail the reasons, specific geographical areas, and duration. Orders must be reviewed by a committee within five days. These changes aim to provide clarity and oversight in the process.

CNBC TV18

Manulife Investment sees opportunity in telecom, NBFCs, and these new age themes

Within the new age and digitisation theme, Rana Gupta, Senior Portfolio Manager at Manulife Investment Management likes companies in the food services and quick commerce.

Business Standard

Call, messaging apps must comply with rules for nation's security: COAI

Telecom operators expect internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Telegram to comply with rules in the same manner as all service providers do, industry body COAI said on Monday. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) -- whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, among others -- said it is misleading to demand to exclude over-the-top (OTT) communication apps from the Telecommunications Act 2023 as they are subject to other regulations because various non-sectoral rules apply on telecom operators as well. "COAI would like to state that the 'Security of the Country' is of utmost importance and in this regard, all communication service providers, including OTT-based communication services, should adhere to the requisite directives of the country as done by the Telecom Service Providers," COAI Director General SP Kochhar said. He said that telecom operators have invested heavily in setting up the infrastructure for lawful

The Economic Times

Call, messaging apps must comply with rules for nation's security like telcos, COAI says

Indian telecom operators, through COAI, urged that OTT apps like WhatsApp and Telegram should comply with the Telecommunications Act 2023. They emphasized that these communication services must align with security directives and regulatory oversight, similar to telecom operators, to ensure an equal playing field and curtail security risks.

The Economic Times

Telcos target 10% share of all global 6G patents in 3 years

India's telecommunications sector set a three-year goal to capture 10% of future global 6G patents. Chaired by Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the panel also discussed contributing significantly to global telecom standards, emphasizing the need for better connectivity and quality of services. The initiative includes promoting investments and technology advancements in line with India's requirements.

Business Standard

Trai proposes to cut broadband charges for public wifi service providers

Telecom regulator Trai on Friday proposed to bring down broadband connection charges for public data offices, which provide public wifi services, at par with retail users, as the number of public wifi spots in the country is far below the target number envisaged by the government. In the explanatory note of draft Telecommunication Tariff (Seventh Amendment) Order, 2024, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) found that the annual tariff of a 100 mbps of internet leased line tariff are 40-80 times more than 100 mbps of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband connection for retail users. Trai said it is of the view that public data offices (PDOs), specifically the small-scale units like local shops, retailers, generally have low revenue potential and they neither need an ILL connection nor they can afford high backhaul rates which are applicable for large commercial entities. "The authority proposes that for the purpose of providing PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme

Business Standard

Telecom minister Scindia asks telcos to take lead in 6G development

Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in second advisory committee meeting with telecom operators on Friday asked them to take lead in the development of 6G technology. According to sources, who were present in the meeting, telecom operators reiterated their old demand of easing right of way permits, rationalisation of power tariffs and lowering of levies in the meeting. "Had a productive meeting with the Advisory Group of Telecom Service providers. Discussed issues pertaining to quality of services, India's 6G vision and promoting research and development to take our sector to new heights of development," Scindia said on social media platform X. Minister of State for Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal, Digital Communications Commission member (Finance) Manish Sinha and other senior officials from the Department of Telecom were present at the meeting. Reliance Jio Managing Director Pankaj Pawar, Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra, BSNL ..

The Economic Times

Long-term outlook good for IT services sector; Macquarie's Ravi Menon bullish on 5 large and midcap stocks

Ravi Menon from Macquarie expresses optimism for a strong run in the Indian IT sector, highlighting companies like TCS, HCL, Wipro, and LTIMindtree. He further predicts significant investments in digital transformation and AI, noting Persistent Systems as a standout midcap pick. Challenges are anticipated for sectors like telecom and automotive.

The Economic Times

Telecom operators seek to bring call, messaging apps under licence

Indian telecom operators requested Trai to bring OTT apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram under the new Telecommunication Act's licensing framework. Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea stressed that monitoring these services is crucial for security and consumer protection, citing the broad definition of 'telecommunications' under the Act.

Business Standard

MTNL board approves 10-year service pact, share-sale proposal with BSNL

The MTNL board has approved a service agreement with BSNL for a period of ten years, and also a slew of other proposals, including share-sale in overseas subsidiary Mahanagar Telephone (Mauritius). The board, during its meeting, has also approved sale of shares of MTNL in MTNL STPI IT Services Ltd or MSITS, according to regulatory filing by MTNL. The board "accorded its approval to enter into a service agreement between BSNL and MTNL for a period of 10 years or unless it is revoked earlier by giving a notice of six months or extended by mutual consent between the parties, subject to approval of the said service agreement by Department of Telecom / Ministry of Company Affairs ," it said. It has also approved a proposal related to sale of shares of MTNL in Mahanagar Telephone (Mauritius) Ltd or MTML - an overseas wholly-owned subsidiary - in line with applicable Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) guidelines and other regulatory processes. The board has also

Business Standard

Salasar Techno Engineering Q1 results: Net profit rises 3.5% to Rs 10.49 cr

EPC player Salasar Techno Engineering Ltd on Wednesday reported a nearly 3.5 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 10.49 crore in June, on account of higher income. It had posted a net profit of Rs 10.14 crore in the April-June period of the preceding financial year, the company said in a regulatory filing. The company increased its total income to Rs 295 crore in the June quarter from Rs 262 crore a year ago. During the quarter, its expenses stood at Rs 280 crore against Rs 248 crore in the first quarter of FY24. Salasar Techno Engineering Ltd is a steel structure manufacturer and EPC infrastructure company, providing services across telecom, energy and railways.

The Economic Times

MTNL enters 10-year service agreement with BSNL

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) announced key decisions after a board meeting, including entering a service agreement with BSNL. It approved the closure of Millennium Telecom Limited (MTL), and the proposed sale of shares in MTNL STPI IT Services Ltd (MSITS) and Mahanagar Telephone (Mauritius) Ltd (MTML). All the process will follow regulatory guidelines and laws, said the comapany.

Mint

Bharti Enterprises to pick up 24.5% stake in UK’s British Telecom Group

Bharti Televentures UK Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharti Enterprises’s international investment arm Bharti Global, will buy the equity from telecom services provider Altice UK.

The Economic Times

Telcos push for regulating OTT communication apps

Telecom companies have pushed for regulators to bring communication apps like WhatsApp into regulatory licensing. They supported the idea for a single Unified Services Authorisation to simplify telecom regulations. Industry bodies had mixed reactions, with some cautioning against structural changes and others urging expansion of ISP license scope.

The Economic Times

Consumer spending on mobile services dips sequentially in Q4

User spending on mobile services (post-GST) rose a modest 1.4% sequentially to about ?55,524.5 crore in the fourth quarter of FY24 - 44% lower than the 2.5% sequential growth clocked in the third quarter of FY24 - as per latest sector performance data issued by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

The Economic Times

BSNL's CMD denied extension, DoT's Robert Ravi to take charge

The Indian government has appointed Robert Jerard Ravi as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), and Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) for a six-month period. This decision comes as Pravin Kumar Purwar's tenure as CMD of BSNL, MTNL, and BBNL ends on July 14 without an extension. Ravi, currently serving as a senior telecom department official, will assume the additional charge starting July 15, 2024. Purwar's tenure saw multiple revival packages for BSNL but was marked by delays in launching 4G services, impacting the company's competitive edge.

The Economic Times

Trai told to suggest pricing & terms for satellite spectrum

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to propose pricing, terms, and conditions for the administrative allocation of satellite airwaves under the newly enacted Telecommunications Act, 2023. This move comes as the Act mandates spectrum allocation for satellite services without auctions. Trai officials, while confirming the reference from DoT, anticipate providing recommendations after consulting stakeholders, aiming to finalize rules by year-end. This administrative spectrum allocation is intended for point-to-point connections, excluding direct retail consumer services, pending definition through forthcoming regulations.

The Economic Times

Most telecoms want price reduction in 40GHz spectrum band

Telecom companies in India are advocating for a 50% reduction in the reserve price of newly identified high-frequency spectrum ranges in the 40GHz band, citing the high costs associated with building networks in these bands compared to lower frequency bands. This proposal comes ahead of India's first auction of mmWave spectrum for 5G services, encompassing frequency ranges critical for mobility and satellite communications.

The Economic Times

DoT to develop unified portal for industry, consumers

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plans to streamline and enhance user experience with a unified super interactive portal integrating over 10 existing websites. This initiative aims to consolidate telecom industry information and consumer services onto a single platform, facilitating real-time interactions and easing compliance for telecom operators while enhancing service accessibility for consumers.

The Economic Times

Telecom tariff hike: Govt, regulator won't intervene in matter

The government and the telecom regulator do not plan to intervene in telecom companies' decisions to raise prices, stating that tariffs in India remain among the lowest globally. Authorities, however, want the companies to enhance the quality of services.

Business Standard

'BSNL unable to compete with pvt telcos without 4G, 5G, check tariff hike'

State-run BSNL is unable to compete with private telecom operators in the absence of 4G and 5G services due to which there is no restraint on mobile service providers from raising tariff, BSNL Employees Union said on Tuesday. BSNL Employees Union in a letter to the union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the recent tariff hike by the private telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel is unwarranted as they are profitable companies. "Earlier, due to the competition from BSNL, the private telecom service providers were restrained from increasing their tariffs capriciously. However, the scenario has changed now. BSNL has not been able to launch its 4G and 5G services till date, as a result of which it is handicapped from competing with the private operators and thereby restraining their arbitrary tariff hikes," the letter said. Recently, all three private operators announced an increase in mobile service rates in the range of 10-27 per cent. While new tariff

The Economic Times

Reliance Jio & Airtel roll out new mobile tariffs. Here's the updated list of prepaid plans with prices & validity

Industry giants, Reliance Jio and Airtel, lead the charge with revamped tariffs, ensuring access to cutting-edge 5G services. The adjustments aim to align pricing with enhanced network offerings, setting a new standard in the competitive telecom landscape.

The Economic Times

Post tariff hikes: Users could spend Rs 47,500 crore more, trade up data plans

The recent hefty tariff hikes by major Indian telecom companies, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, are expected to significantly increase consumer spending on telecom services, potentially adding Rs 47,500 crore annually. These increases, aimed at boosting 5G monetisation, raise the cost of entry-level 5G plans by up to 71%. Analysts anticipate a 15-17% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU) for Jio and Airtel, driven by up-trading to higher data allowance plans. Despite risks of subscriber churn, the hikes are seen as pivotal for enhancing profitability and investment returns in the telecom sector.

Business Line

Stock Market Live Updates 28 June 2024: Sensex, Nifty edge up in late trading; RIL spurts over 3%

Sensex, Nifty, Share Prices LIVE: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty traded in positive territory in late session on Friday. At 2:25 pm, Sensex was at 79,459.59, up 216.41 points or 0.27 per cent higher on its overnight close. Nifty was at 24,116.20, up 71.7 points or 0.3 per cent higher. The top gainers on the Nifty50 were Reliance Industries (up over 3 per cent), ONGC, Dr Reddy’s, Tata Motors and HeroMotoCorp. The laggards were ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank and Kotak Bank. All the Nifty sectoral indices with the exception of Nifty bank and financial services indices, were in the green. Market sentiment remains upbeat amidst expectations of substantial foreign inflows following JPMorgan’s inclusion of India’s sovereign debt in its emerging markets index. Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking emphasises sector rotation supporting steady index growth, highlighting the potential for Nifty to test 24,500. As investors strategise for potential dips, Trivesh D from Tradejini notes strong momentum in large-cap banking and telecom stocks. Analysts caution on temporary overbought conditions, but project support levels and resistance zones are conducive to market bulls.

The Economic Times

5G auction: All you need to know about Rs 96,000 crore spectrum battle

5G auction: India is gearing up for its latest 5G airwaves auction starting Tuesday, valued at over Rs 96,000 crore. Telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea will compete for crucial radio frequencies essential for 5G services. The previous auction in August 2022 set a record with the government earning Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

The Economic Times

Trai invites views on norm for transferring ownership of machine-to-machine SIMs

The telecom regulator, Trai, is seeking industry views on allowing critical M2M communication services on unlicensed airwaves. It has identified 20 critical M2M services, including those for connected & autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and smart grid operations.

The Economic Times

Government can take control of all telecom networks in times of emergency under new Telecom Act

The Telecommunications Act will establish Digital Bharat Nidhi for funding research and development instead of just supporting rural telecom services. It supersedes existing telecom rules under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933).

The Economic Times

Telco revenues surged to Rs 2.3 lakh crore in FY24: CLSA

The Indian telecom industry's gross revenue surged 87% to Rs 2.39 lakh crore in FY24, driven by the launch of services by Reliance Jio. Jio and Bharti Airtel gained subscribers at the expense of Vodafone Idea. The two top telcos now control 78% of sectoral revenue, expected to rise to 83% by FY26. Vi's revenue market share fell to 15.7%, while Airtel and Jio saw revenue growth, with Jio leading at 41.4% RMS.