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In a one of its kind move, the Indian government will ask general public’s inputs and opinions while framing the country’s new <keyword id="478168" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="telecom-policy">telecom policy</keyword>. The public opinion will be sought through an open consultation process that will be soon initiated. The idea behind asking for public opinion is to make the policy consumer centric; however, opinions of industry, academia and experts from India and overseas would also be considered."We will be doing public consultation for the first time on the new telecom policy, getting the views of the people since they are also stakeholders," <keyword id="46149" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Telecom-minister">Telecom Minister</keyword> <keyword id="6357016" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manoj-Sinha">Manoj Sinha</keyword> told <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/in-a-first-instance-manoj-sinha-to-seek-public-inputs-on-new-telecom-policy/articleshow/59464014.cms">ET</a>. "We have created a team of 50 people within India and overseas who are all working on the policy," he added. The <keyword id="112601" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="indian-telecom-industry">Indian telecom industry</keyword> is facing intense competition ever since between <keyword id="6354504" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Reliance-Jio">Reliance Jio</keyword>’s commercial launch on the back of free voice and data services in September last year, post which incumbent telcos have been forced to slash prices to stay afloat. (Image source Twitter)

Indian public could be deciding India's new telecom policy

<ul><li><keyword id="10926" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance">Reliance</keyword> <keyword id="2003276" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jio">Jio</keyword> had 262.7 million subscribers in October. </li><li>Both, Vodafone-Idea and <keyword id="6354287" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="bharti-airtel">Bharti Airtel</keyword>, saw a decline in consumer base. </li><li>The total number of telephone subscribers in India stands at a grand total of 1170.02 million as of October.</li></ul>The Jio wave isn’t over yet. Reliance Jio and BSNL are the only telecom giants to add wireless subscribers in October, 2018 according to the subscribers’ report <a href="https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PRNo01Eng02012019_0.pdf">published</a> by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (<keyword id="6356988" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="trai">TRAI</keyword>). The Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio went from 252.2 million subscribers in September to 262.7 million in October, while BSNL saw a hike from its 113 million subscribers to 113.4 million in October. The total telephone subscribers in India stands at a grand total of 1170.02 million as of October, 2018. Trailing off in the race are bigwigs like Vodafone-Idea, Bharti <keyword id="15491" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airtel">Airtel</keyword> and Reliance Infocomm. The Jio Impact With its discounted offers and plans, Jio continues to excite its consumer base, adding more and more numbers to its list. For example, Jio’s recent ‘Happy New Year’ offer announcing a 100 percent cashback for consumers opting for its ₹399 plan. With such plans, the telecom company aims to continue to make its mark in the country. Jio, when it had launched in September 2016, had caused a huge uproar in the <keyword id="10642" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Telecom">Indian telecom</keyword> market promising to overtake its competitors which was also seen in the neverending queues of people looking to take on a Jio number. With free voice calls and data (only charging for data very recently), the company had managed to amass large number of subscribers. With <keyword id="3820" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani">Mukesh Ambani</keyword>’s massive growth plans for the company (Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has invested a staggering <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Companies/ZXkH1gEUb15hQDUzgm9F3I/RIL-AGM-Mukesh-Ambani-wants-to-double-Reliance-Industries.html">$2.5 trillion</a> into Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.), the company is headed to overtake its rivals soon. In fact, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. could soon become the country’s no. 1 telecom operator by revenue in 2021 and on a subscriber basis by 2022, as stated in a <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/jio-to-become-indias-no-1-telecom-operator-by-2021-bernstein-report/articleshow/67027316.cms">Sanford C Bernstein &amp; Co</a>. Vodafone-Idea still no breakthrough? The Indian market was set to see an overhaul after two of India’s telecom giants <keyword id="15492" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vodafone">Vodafone</keyword> and <keyword id="41511" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="idea">Idea</keyword> merging businesses in July 2018. However, although the new entity (Vodafone-Idea) still holds a majority of the market share, it saw a slide in addition of new consumers in October. The TRAI report states that the combined entity lost 6.5 million subscribers between September and October. When the <a href="https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/telecom-department-clears-idea-vodafone-merger-with-riders#gs.ZSCuilCs">merger</a> was approved to create the country’s largest mobile services operator, several government officials had touted the merger to bring in stability into the market to break a possible monopoly by Jio. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/after-disrupting-the-telecom-industry-with-jio-mukesh-ambani-makes-a-52-billion-play-for-broadband-and-cable-dominance/articleshow/66270885.cms">After disrupting the telecom industry with Jio, Mukesh Ambani makes a ₹52 billion play for broadband and cable dominance</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-jio-decides-that-it-may-be-too-expensive-to-give-brother-anil-ambanis-rcom-a-lifeline-after-all/articleshow/67174546.cms">Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio decides that it may be too expensive to give brother Anil Ambani’s RCom a lifeline after all</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-richest-mans-plan-to-revolutionize-its-telecom-industry-with-cheap-data-seems-to-be-working/articleshow/65878495.cms">India's richest man's plan to revolutionize its telecom industry with cheap data seems to be working</a>

Two years on, Reliance Jio continues to dominate Indian telecom market, beating global giants

India’s two most well-known telcos are preparing to launch <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">Voice over LTE</a> (VoLTE) tech on their networks, with some help from <keyword id="6354716" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Nokia">Nokia</keyword>. This is primarily to take on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Reliance+Jio">Reliance Jio</a>, which will use this technology as a base for its services. Idea Cellular is also in ‘active talks’ with Nokia to launch <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a> soon. 
 
While the exact contract amounts for the deals are unknown, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Reliance+Jio">Jio</a> offered $100 million to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Nokia">Nokia</a> last year to roll out VoLTE across the country. 
 
BI India decodes the hullabaloo with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a>. 
 
What is this new VoLTE thing, and what’s it good for? 
Easy, Soldier! <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a>, or <keyword id="1494391" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="voice-over-LTE">Voice over LTE</keyword> is an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network that uses LTE to deliver call and data services. 
 
What is LTE? What is IMS? God, you sound like the IT guy in our office! *Bangs head* 
LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution. It’s basically 4G. Simple. 
 
IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) is a standard framework that allows voice and data services over IP. Several apps and services already allow alternate methods (<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Skype">Skype</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Viber">Viber</a>, etc). However, they have never been standardized across the industry. IMS can provide such standardization. That makes it safer and hopefully better. 
 
How will this help me? 
You can use more bandwidth to make 4G phone calls. This allows higher audio quality both ways. When you call someone who has VoLTE, you will immediately notice the difference. The calls connect faster if you are calling someone near you, and that’s cool. 
 
Do I pay more for good calls now? <keyword id="15491" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Airtel">Airtel</keyword> will use <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a> as a complimentary service to its existing voice offering. 
 
“Wherever <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Airtel">Airtel</a> has LTE network, subscribers will be able to do <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a> call, once it launches <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a>”, an official has apparently said. 
 
Why do telcos want to invest in better calls? 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a> is extremely important for Indian telcos as they have to overcome stiff competition from <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=VoIP">VoIP</a> (voice over internet protocol) and OTT (Over-The-Top, or apps). 
 
While <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=VoIP">VoIP</a> both use IP, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a> has huge advantages over <keyword id="54765" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="100" keywordseo="VoIP">VoIP</keyword>. In embracing <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a>, telcos will make themselves future-proof. 
 
Great! Now I can use my 4G phone. When will this roll out? 
An Airtel spokesperson has said, “We currently have no plans to launch <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Voice+over+LTE">VoLTE</a> services as the device ecosystem supporting it is too nascent.” 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Vodafone+India">Vodafone India</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Nokia">Nokia</a> has declined to comment. 
 
Looks like we will have to wait a few more months for formal announcements. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

This is how Bharti, Vodafone will revolutionize Indian telecom with VoLTE

<keyword id="125045" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="fitch-ratings" source="Orion">Fitch Ratings</keyword> expects telecom operators to raise tariffs in 2023, given the focus on profitability by the service providers. The rating agency categorically said <keyword id="1553175" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="vodafone-idea" source="Orion">Vodafone Idea</keyword>, the third-largest telco, needs to increase tariffs as its EBITDA generation is insufficient to meet finance costs and to invest sufficiently in capital expenditure. The last time the Indian telecom operators raised tariffs was in late 2021. "We have only one market on an improving outlook - India - compared with two (India and Malaysia) in 2022. Only one market - Sri Lanka - is on a deteriorating outlook. Consolidation is likely to continue in most markets as weaker participants face the choice whether to be acquired or decline," it said in a report. Notably, Indian telecom operators continue to have one of the lowest monthly average revenue per user (USD 2.5) and the highest monthly data usage (20 GB) in the world. Further, it said market leaders <keyword id="6354504" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="reliance-jio" source="Orion">Reliance Jio</keyword> and <keyword id="6354287" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bharti-airtel" source="Orion">Bharti Airtel</keyword> will continue to consolidate market share as they will garner 80-85 per cent of the revenue of private telecom operators during 2023-2024, in comparison to 81 per cent in 2022. Bharti Airtel, it said, will retain its 35 per cent active subscriber market share, while Vodafone Idea will continue to lose market share given its extremely weak financial position. On <keyword id="349263" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="agr" source="Orion">AGR</keyword> deferment, the <keyword id="82981" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="fitch" source="Orion">Fitch</keyword> report said the government's decision to defer the amount of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) and spectrum dues for four years, the prospective exclusion of non-telecom revenue from the definition of AGR, and the abolition of spectrum usage charges in recent spectrum auctions will boost telecom operators' cash flow. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/trai-releases-recommendations-on-licensing-framework-for-establishing-operating-satellite-earth-station-gateway/articleshow/95855830.cms">Trai releases recommendations on licensing framework for establishing, operating satellite earth station gateway</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-has-revealed-the-app-store-awards-winners-in-2022/articleshow/95855823.cms">Apple’s App Store awards 2022 winners — best applications and games of the year</a>

Your mobile bills could up in 2023 as telcos focus on profitability

<ul><li>The telecom authority has instructed all organizations and companies to incorporate artificial intelligence spam filters into their smartphone call and messaging services.</li><li>This move aims to protect consumers from fraudulent and harassing activities.</li></ul>According to media <a href="https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/news/no-more-spam-calls-and-messages-trai-implements-new-rule-based-on-ai-2023-05-01-868252">reports</a>, starting today, Indian telecom companies are required to incorporate AI filters in their systems to detect and block <keyword id="2232456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spam-calls" source="Orion">spam calls</keyword> and messages, as per TRAI's new regulations. The move aims to address the increasing problem of spam calls and messages in the country. Telecom giants, including Vodafone, Airtel, Jio, and BSNL, are all working towards implementing these AI filters in their services by the TRAI's deadline. Airtel has already announced the provision of AI filters to their customers, while Jio is gearing up to install filters for fake calls and messages. Along with the AI filters, the regulatory authority has prohibited promotional calls to 10-digit numbers. Moreover, TRAI plans to introduce a Caller ID feature that would display the name and photo of the caller. However, the telecom companies are cautious about privacy issues and are in discussion with Truecaller regarding the Caller ID feature's implementation. Earlier this year, COAI, an industry body, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/implementation-of-caller-name-display-should-not-be-mandatory-telcos-body-to-trai/articleshow/97144949.cms">opposed</a> the mandatory implementation of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) and requested it to be optional for telecom operators. The association filed a technical, privacy, and regulatory report with TRAI, citing concerns regarding the costs involved. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="AI filters to combat fake calls menace" comment="subhead" text="AI filters to combat fake calls menace">AI filters to combat fake calls menace</cmsannotation> The implementation of AI filters will assist smartphone users in avoiding fake and promotional calls that occupy unnecessary space and cause distractions. Telecom giants, such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have announced their plans to introduce the AI filter service, though the specific timeline has not been disclosed. It is expected that the feature will be operational starting today. TRAI has been striving to combat fake calls and messages for a while now, given that they are a common way of duping mobile users and extracting money from their accounts, hacking their data, and more. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/bill-gatess-optimistic-view-on-ai-chatbots-in-education/articleshow/99809787.cms">Bill Gates says AI Chatbots will transform education by making tutoring affordable and accessible</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/smarter-than-a-smartphone-a-new-wearable-challenges-the-traditional-device/articleshow/99812363.cms">Smarter than a smartphone? A new wearable challenges the ‘traditional’ device</a>

TRAI's new AI spam filters will provide relief from spam calls and messages

The government on Wednesday released the draft Indian <keyword id="15052971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TELECOMMUNICATION-BILL" source="Orion">Telecommunication Bill</keyword>, 2022, under which it has proposed a provision to waive off fees and penalty of telecom and internet service providers. The ministry has proposed provision for refund of fees in case a telecom or internet provider surrenders his license. "Seeking your views on the draft <keyword id="10642" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="INDIAN-TELECOM" source="Orion">Indian Telecom</keyword> Bill 2022," Telecom Minister <keyword id="7796574" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ashwini-vaishnaw" source="Orion">Ashwini Vaishnaw</keyword> said in a post on a social media platform in which he also shared the link of the draft bill. The last date for public comment on the draft is October 20. According to the draft , the central government may, "waive in part or full any fee, including entry fees, license fees, registrations fees or any other fees or charges, interest, additional charges or penalty" for any licence holder or registered entity under the telecom rules. The bill proposes to exempt "press messages that are intended to be published in India" of correspondents accredited to the central or state government from interception. However, the exemption will not be granted in case of any public emergency or in the interest of the public safety, sovereignty, integrity or security of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or to prevent incitement to an offence, according to the draft. In such cases "any message or class of messages, to or from any person or class of persons, or relating to any particular subject, brought for transmission by, or transmitted or received by any telecommunication services or telecommunication network, shall not be transmitted, or shall be intercepted or detained or disclosed" to the authorized officer, according to the draft bill. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/gauri-khan-on-aryans-arrest-nothing-can-be-worse-than-what-weve-been-through/articleshow/94367284.cms">Gauri Khan on Aryan's arrest: Nothing can be worse than what we've been through</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ford-india-finalises-severance-package-with-workers-at-chennai-plant/articleshow/94367067.cms">Ford India finalises severance package with workers at Chennai plant</a>

DoT proposes fee, penalty waiver under new telecom rules

New Delhi, Dec 31 () A day after the government said all operators will be allowed to participate in the upcoming 5G trials, the Department of Telecom (DoT) held a meeting with various service providers and equipment vendors, including Huawei, to discuss the way forward.
 The meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Telecom Secretary Anshu Prakash, lasted for over an hour. An official with one of the telcos said that all operators attended the meeting. 
 A Huawei executive, who was present at the meeting, declined to comment on the proceedings.
 Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday said the government will allocate airwaves to all telecom service providers for conducting trials of super-fast speed 5G networks.
 As things stand today, India will not bar any equipment suppliers in the upcoming trials for 5G.
 Asked specifically about the status of Huawei in this context, the minister had said, "All players mean all players".
 This stance is expected to spell relief for the Chinese gear maker, which is facing curbs in the US, and rivals western equipment makers such as Ericsson.
 Many countries, however, have allowed telecom service providers to use Chinese gears. And now, India has also indicated its unwillingness to keep any company out of 5G trials.
 This implies that all operators, backed by equipment vendors they have decided to partner with, will be able to participate in the upcoming 5G trials in the country. 
 "I would like new innovations by Indian players in 5G. 5G is future, it is speed. Therefore, we will encourage new innovations in 5G," the minister had said on Monday on the sidelines of a telecom event. 
 Huawei India CEO Jay Chen had said in an e-mail statement to on Monday that the company firmly believes that only technology innovations and high-quality networks will be the key to rejuvenating the Indian telecom industry.
 Thanking the Indian government for their continued faith in the company, Chen had said, "We have our full confidence in the Modi government to drive 5G in India. We have our full confidence in Indian government and industry to partner with best technology for India's own long-term benefit and also for cross-industry development."
 Huawei is committed to India, the company said.
 The 5G trials are widely-expected to begin between January and March. Sources had recently said the government has received seven applications for 5G trials and added that all operators and vendors (including Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, ZTE and Samsung) are keen to participate.
 In September this year, Huawei had said it is hopeful that the Indian government will treat all foreign investments "fairly" and had urged the world's largest democracy to make an "independent decision" on permitting 5G trials in the country.
 At that time, the Chinese firm had also sought to assure the Indian government that the company is fully compliant with regulations in India, and of addressing concerns around cybersecurity.
 Earlier this year, the US had banned Huawei, the world's leader in telecom equipment and the number two smartphone producer, over concerns of security and Washington had been pressuring other countries to restrict the operations of the Chinese telecom firm.
 The US President Donald Trump-led administration had placed Huawei and its affiliates on a blacklist, a move that banned the Chinese telecom equipment company from purchasing parts and components from American firms without the US government approval. However, it had subsequently relaxed some of the restrictions, to reduce disruption for its customers. MBI ANS
ANS

DoT meets telecom operators, vendors to discuss 5G trials

New Delhi, Dec 30 () India will not bar any equipment suppliers, such as China's Huawei, in the upcoming trials for 5G, with Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday saying the government will allocate airwaves to all telecom service providers for conducting trials of super-fast speed 5G networks.
 Huawei rivals western equipment makers, such as Ericsson, and is banned in the US. Many countries, however, have allowed telecom service providers to use Chinese gears. And now, India has also indicated its unwillingness to keep any company out of 5G trials.
 The government has decided to give 5G spectrum for trials to all operators in the country, Prasad said on Monday on the sidelines of a telecom event.
 This implies that all operators, backed by equipment vendors they have decided to partner with, will be able to participate in the upcoming 5G trials in the country, and the stance is expected to spell a relief for Chinese gear maker Huawei.
 "The age of 5G is coming... We have taken a decision to give 5G spectrum for trials to all the players," Prasad said.
 An in-principle decision has been taken in this regard, Prasad said adding that the telecom department will work out the details.
 "I would like new innovations by Indian players in 5G. 5G is future, it is speed. Therefore, we will encourage new innovations in 5G," the minister said.
 Asked specifically about the status of Huawei as the government has decided to allow all telecom operators and equipment makers for 5G trials, the minister said, "All players mean all players".
 When contacted, Huawei India CEO Jay Chen said in a e-mail statement that the company firmly believes that only technology innovations and high-quality networks will be the key to rejuvenating the Indian telecom industry.
 Thanking the Indian government for their continued faith in the company, Chen said, "We have our full confidence in the Modi government to drive 5G in India. We have our full confidence in Indian government and industry to partner with best technology for India's own long-term benefit and also for cross-industry development."
 Huawei is committed to India, the company said.
 The 5G trials are widely-expected to begin in the last quarter of the current financial year. Sources had recently said the government has received seven applications for 5G trials and added that all operators and vendors (including Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, ZTE and Samsung) are keen to participate.
 In September this year, Huawei had said it is hopeful that the Indian government will treat all foreign investments "fairly" and had urged the world's largest democracy to make an "independent decision" on permitting 5G trials in the country.
 At that time, the Chinese firm had also sought to assure the Indian government that the company is fully compliant with regulations in India, and of addressing concerns around cybersecurity.
 Earlier this year, the US had banned Huawei, the world's leader in telecom equipment and the number two smartphone producer, over concerns of security and Washington had been pressuring other countries to restrict the operations of the Chinese telecom firm.
 The US President Donald Trump-led administration had placed Huawei and its affiliates on a blacklist, a move that banned the Chinese telecom equipment company from purchasing parts and components from American firms without the US government approval. However, it had subsequently relaxed some of the restrictions, to reduce disruption for its customers. MBI ANZ MBI HRS

Govt will give 5G spectrum for trials to all operators: Prasad

Telecom company <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/700-employee-fear-being-shown-the-door-as-Aircel-looks-forward-to-jobcuts/articleshow/57180745.cms">Aircel</a>, which operates 3G services across 13 telecom circles in India, has launched app-based voice and data offers for its subscribers, offering them 1GB of data at Rs 76 (valid for 10 days) and <keyword id="2544689" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="full-talk-time">full talk time</keyword> on recharge of Rs 86, along with 100 MB of free data. Users can avail these offers by downloading the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/After-Reliance-Communications-Aircel-Rs-65000-crore-merger-talks-underway-with-Russias-Sistema-Here-are-the-details/articleshow/54342647.cms">Aircel</a> app on their <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/The-20-best-smartphones-in-the-world/articleshow/58288153.cms">smartphones</a>. "Through app, we know our customers, their plans, usage, and the services they are interested in, and hence have curated these products basis the trends observed," <keyword id="6360249" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aircel">Aircel</keyword> chief marketing officer <keyword id="162177" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anupam-Vasudev">Anupam Vasudev</keyword> told <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/aircel-will-now-give-you-1gb-data-for-rs-76-full-talk-time-on-recharge-of-rs-86/articleshow/58608482.cms">ET</a>. Ever since <keyword id="3820" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> has launched his ambitious telecom product <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Jio-continues-to-rule-market-incumbent-telcos-to-suffer-poor-profitability/articleshow/58591862.cms">Jio</a> that offers free voice calls and data at minimal price, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/trai-chief-rules-out-iuc-as-call-tariff-floor/articleshow/58511016.cms">Indian telecom companies</a> have been forced to slash their voice and data tariff to be able to retain customers.

Aircel to give 1GB data for Rs 76, full talk time for Rs 86

The <keyword id="99041" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="National-Security-Council">National Security Council</keyword> (<keyword id="65834" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="NSC">NSC</keyword>) has warned that SIM cards manufactured by Chinese companies could make country's telecom and banking networks vulnerable to security threats. It also called for 100% domestic manufacturing of these cards. 
 
NSC has written a letter to the department of telecom (DoT), and asked it to take immediate measures to ensure that all SIM cards used in the country are manufactured in India. This would prevent sensitive data from being transmitted outside of India. 
 
"Besides SIM card cloning, other security issues that can arise from compromise of keys can be location tracing, call and SMS diversion, copying of data transmitted, remote extraction of network and banking keys," NCS said in its communication. 
 
"With increasing use of mobile phones for various value-added services including mobile banking and payments, the risk of compromise of secret keys is extending to banking and payment infrastructure as well," it added. 
 
It has also proposed that only Indian manufacturers or other suppliers should be allowed to supply SIM cards. Moreover, it should be mandatory for each manufacturer and supplier to obtain a licence for this purpose. About 40% of the SIM cards sold in India are imported, mostly from China.

China-made SIMs Pose
Threat To Indian Telecom And Banking Networks

It was one of the most important meetings for the telecom industry where CEOs of top telecom companies in the country met with the newly appointed <keyword id="46149" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Telecom-minister">Telecom Minister</keyword>, <keyword id="6357016" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manoj-Sinha">Manoj Sinha</keyword>. Hold on, we will tell you what was discussed in the meeting but before that see what the top CEOs were served. 
 
Yes, like in all meetings that the CEOs attend all over the world there are refreshments and there were some in this meeting too. Only difference is it was widely different from the usual hors d’oeuvre of the corporate world. Gopal Vittal of Airtel, Sunil Sood of Vodafone, Himanshu Kapania of Idea along with other telecom CEOs were part of this very crucial meeting but first here’s what they were served. A) Cheap pineapple pastry B) Coleslaw Sandwich wrapped in cellophane sheet, C) Bengal gram, complete with plastic spoons and ketchup in sachets. Now wouldn’t it be a treat to see India’s top CEOs teething open their ketchup packets. 
 
 
 
The corporate world is light-years ahead on the kind of refreshments served in their meetings but situation in these sarkari offices still look like they were serving refreshments at a six year olds birthday party... in the 60s. In the two hour long meeting, the CEOs had no choice but to nibble on the refreshments (if we can call it that) some to satiate their hunger and some just plain out of respect. Most of the CEOs stuck to the Bengal gram, few braved the pastry but no one touched the sandwich, probably too much work to free it from the clutches of the cellophane bags that they came wrapped in. 
 
 
 
Coming to the meeting, it was an extremely crucial meeting between the new telecom minister, telecom department officials and the telecom CEOs. Telecom operators voiced their concern on all the major issues in the sector like telecom being a highly taxed sector, payment method for upcoming spectrum auction, e-KYC norms for acquisition of subscribers and of course call drops. Issue of call drops was discussed in a big way as telecom operators on June 10th this year had committed to setting up 60,000 towers in 100 days in order to deal with the issue of call drops. The new telecom minister said out of the total 60,000 towers, so far telcos have installed 48,000 towers. Telecom minister said “Targets given to the telcos on call drops progress is satisfactory but telcos will have to put more efforts to make the consumers feel the progress made.” The telecom operators also discussed many policy developments like spectrum sharing and trading with the minister. 
 
 
 
Sounds like a very important meeting, so we got on it full swing and decided to get a chef’s opinion in, Chef Saby of Lavaash by Saby says “Corporate world is very particular about the refreshments served during the meetings as they speak volumes about the company. Refreshments vary from bite size Granola with walnuts and cranberries to nut crusted fresh palm fruit. And sandwiches and pastries are a big no. Fresh fruit juices will have to be a part of the spread. Basically the idea is to keep it healthy as these meetings can be very stressful.” 
 
While we are sure this particular meeting was stressful but the snacks were far from healthy. And all these extremely key issues in the industry were discussed over pineapple pastries and sandwiches which were far from the bite size pops these CEOs are used to. Just saying.

This is what CEOs of Airtel, Vodafone and Idea were served at a meeting with the telecom minister

<ul><li>According to the report, Google is looking to acquire a stake of 5% in <keyword id="1553175" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vodafone-Idea">Vodafone Idea</keyword>.</li><li>The news comes after Facebook picked up a 9.99% stake in leading telecom operator Reliance Jio for $5.7 billion.</li><li>Google’s interest in Vodafone Idea could be an after-thought, after it reportedly missed out on the Jio deal to Facebook.</li></ul>Shares of Vodafone Idea have surged by more than 30% on May 29 after reports suggested Google is exploring a stake purchase in struggling telecom operator. The move comes after Facebook picked up a 9.99% stake in Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom operator. According to a <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/3f763918-d0b1-4a02-a581-e241753c75eb">report</a> by Financial Times, Google could pick up a 5% stake in Vodafone Idea. The report also adds that the talks are still in a “very early stage”, so the details of the deal could change. The report further adds that Google is also in talks to acquire a stake in Reliance Jio, and that the talks are still ongoing. However, since <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/why-facebook-owner-mark-zuckerberg-wants-stake-in-mukesh-ambani-owned-reliance-jio/articleshow/74803994.cms">Facebook has already joined Jio</a>, it might make sense for Google to pick up a stake in Vodafone Idea, which is the second largest telco in the country by number of subscribers. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="74964136" title="A new research report says Vodafone Idea has to increase tariff by 39% to survive – and that will be a bounty for Reliance Jio and Airtel" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[<div class="flourish-embed flourish-chart" data-src="visualisation/2615319" data-url="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/2615319/embed"></div>]]></cdata></div> Note: Vodafone Idea's share price on 29-05-2020 is taken at 12:10 pm. A deal with Vodafone Idea could also come at a comparatively discounted price. Even though its share price has increased by 84% since March, it is relatively cheaper when compared to rival telecom operators like Airtel. <table><tbody><tr><td>Company</td><td>Market capitalisation (in crore)</td></tr><tr><td>Reliance Jio</td><td>₹4,89,075</td></tr><tr><td>Airtel</td><td>₹3,07,000</td></tr><tr><td>Vodafone Idea</td><td>₹16,665</td></tr></tbody></table> Note: Reliance Jio's valuation is based on the latest investment made by KKR. Airtel and Vodafone Idea's valuations are based on the closing price as on May 28, 2020. Vodafone Idea and its timeline of woes Since the entry of Jio, Vodafone Idea has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/vodafone-idea-and-its-timeline-of-woes/articleshow/74577942.cms">posted cumulative losses</a> of ₹77,000 crore, with ₹50,922 crore coming in September 2019 alone. It was hit by a demand of ₹53,000 crore by the Supreme Court for recovery of adjusted gross revenue dues. In November 2019, the telco’s UK parent Vodafone Plc wrote down the value of its Indian entity to nil. It also lost 36 million subscribers in the same month. According to the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-jio-becomes-the-largest-telco-by-revenue-and-subscribers-as-industry-shows-signs-of-recovery/articleshow/73667566.cms">latest numbers</a> released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Vodafone Idea has 336 million subscribers, while Jio is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/microsoft-mukesh-ambani-reliance-jio-are-partners-but-satya-nadella-wants-more/articleshow/76057690.cms">said</a> to have 387 million subscribers. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="74577942" title="Vodafone Idea and its timeline of woes" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The Indian telecom sector is too lucrative for the big tech companies to ignore The Indian telecom sector presents a good investment opportunity for big tech companies to expand their presence in the country. Although Vodafone Idea’s status is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/bharti-airtels-ceo-wants-vodafone-idea-to-survive-and-stay-on/articleshow/73973990.cms">critical right now</a>, the recent price hikes by all the three major telecom companies gives it a chance to survive in the market. Further, the Jio-Facebook deal has opened up the Indian telecom sector for investments. Since the deal with Zuckerberg’s company, Jio has found buyers in KKR, General Atlantic, Silver Lake and Vista Equity Partners. Airtel, the third-biggest telco, is also <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/airtel-parent-to-raise-1-billion-via-share-sale-today/articleshow/75989710.cms">looking to raise</a> $1 billion by selling a 2.75% stake to Fidelity, Segantii Capital, Norges Bank and others. Jio changed the face of Indian telecom sector India’s telecom sector has seen major upheaval since the entry of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio. After Jio’s entry, the Indian telecom sector has seen minor players like Tata Docomo, Aircel, Reliance Communications, Telenor either wind up or sell their business to Airtel. Amidst all this, Vodafone and Idea, which were two separate operators, decided to merge in 2018 to take on Reliance Jio. However, since then, the merged entity Vodafone Idea has been losing millions of customers due to multiple issues, including business uncertainty and a fall in its quality of service. Jio was the major beneficiary of this, going on to become the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-jio-becomes-the-largest-telco-by-revenue-and-subscribers-as-industry-shows-signs-of-recovery/articleshow/73667566.cms">largest telecom operator in India</a> both by revenue and number of subscribers. Update: Vodafone Idea in a statement to NSE has said, "As part of corporate strategy, the company constantly evaluates various opportunities for enhancing the stakeholders’ value. As and when such proposals are considered by the Board of Directors of the Company warranting disclosures, the Company shall comply with the disclosure obligations under the SEBI Regulations. Currently, there is no proposal as reported by the media that is being considered at the Board." SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/airtel-share-price-target-as-africa-unit-nears-a-billion-dollars-in-revenue/articleshow/75970641.cms">Airtel’s Africa unit is now a nearly-billion dollar business where every user pays 40% more than the one in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/if-vodafone-idea-increases-tariff-it-will-help-airtel-and-reliance-jio/articleshow/74964136.cms">A new research report says Vodafone Idea has to increase tariff by 39% to survive – and that will be a bounty for Reliance Jio and Airtel</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/india-is-changing-its-mobile-habits-and-that-can-help-airtel-and-vodafone/articleshow/75152973.cms">India is changing its mobile habits and that can help Airtel and Vodafone</a>

Vodafone Idea shares surge more than 30% after Google reportedly considers a stake in the debt-laden telco

<ul><li>The board of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (<keyword id="30351" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BSNL">BSNL</keyword>) has approved slashing 54,000 jobs in order to relieve financial stress. </li><li>The recommendations were made by a 3-member panel that was constituted in the face of mounting losses in the aftermath of Jio’s aggressive pricing.</li><li>Other telecom operators like Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel have also been under pressure since Jio’s entry into the space.</li></ul>The board of the Indian state-run telecom operator, Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL), <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/bsnl-okays-laying-off-54k-staff-but-will-wait-govt-726643.html">approved </a>the cost-cutting that could result in as many as 54,000 employees losing their jobs. The layoffs won’t happen till after the election and the officials are deferring to the new government to take up the challenge before taking the final call according to the Deccan Herald. The three member panel consisting of Rekha Jain as the coordinator as well as Vishal Gupta and Ajay Pandey — all of whom are professors at the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad (IIM-A) — was put together to find solutions as BSNL started to reel from the financial stress. And, then make their recommendations to the board. The company’s losses started to mount after Mukesh Ambani’s Jio entered the telecom space. In the last fiscal, the company’s overall revenue fell by 20%. 
	
 <div type="image" title="bsnl rev fall" msid="68718444" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Jio&amp;#8217;s losses are up by 66% at around &amp;#8377;79.93 billion in the current fiscal year&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>





 BSNL isn’t the only company that has fallen victim to the aggression from Mukesh Ambani-owned enterprise. TataDoCoMo was one of the first casualties resulting in an acquisition by Bharti Airtel in 2017. Airtel was also able to <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Industry/rws5uR2FeOti3o3nU7AirL/The-shakeup-in-Indias-telecom-sector.html">acquire</a> Tata group’s wireless phone business and Telenor for virtually nothing. Soon after, one of the top telecom services providers in the country, Aircel <a href="https://www.teleanalysis.com/analysis/aircel-mostly-blamed-jio-bankruptcy-27828">blamed</a> Jio when it filed for bankruptcy in 2018. Two of the biggest telecom players in the country, Vodafone and Idea, were also forced to merge mid-2018 to form the world’s second-largest telecom company. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/tdsat-junks-trais-predatory-pricing-order/articleshow/67077045.cms?from=mdr">accused</a> of passing regulations that are in favour of Jio that discriminate against its competitors — BSNL, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea — under the guise of being a ‘new entrant’ in the market. One of the new regulations was shot down by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal because it appeared to be “an unnecessary abdication of its regulatory powers by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India”. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="If a new entrant needs to be protected from the rigours of non-predation, it can be done through provisions like ‘Welcome Offer’ and ‘Promotional Offer’ as availed by Reliance Jio, but to allow freedom from requirements of non-predation till acquisition of 30% of total activity in a given market, prima facie appears an extreme step by TRAI." auname="Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TSDSAT)"></div>





 In order to save costs, the board as also also approved reducing the retirement age from 60 years to 58 years, implementing the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for all employees aged 50 years and above as well as expediting the allocation of the 4G spectrum to BSNL. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-golden-age-of-telecommunication-nears-its-end-in-india/articleshow/66144414.cms">The ‘golden age’ of telecommunication nears its end in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/bsnl-wifi-on-india-flights-due-to-inmarsat-license/articleshow/68706687.cms">Indian flights will have WiFi soon — leaving only North Korea behind</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/airtel-cisco-ready-for-indias-largest-5g-network/articleshow/68154880.cms">Airtel and Cisco are teaming up to build India’s largest 5G-ready network — spectrum auction pending</a>

A state-run Indian telecom company is laying off 54,000 employees in an election year

Telecom minister <keyword id="6354886" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ravi-Shankar-Prasad">Ravi Shankar Prasad</keyword> has said that no spectrum will be given for free, even as telecom operators have demanded a cut in the proposed auction price for airwaves. The minister was talking to ET, when he highlighted how the public sector is busy combining infrastructure and leveraging the expertise of BSNL and the postal department so that the government plays is in a situation for a competitive battle with private players. 
 
"Operators will not be given free spectrum even if that were to make me the most popular telecom minister," Prasad said. He declined to comment on reconsidering the proposed price. 
 
"700MHz is the most attractive band to penetrate through thick walls," Prasad said while justifying the reasons for this high price. He also said that he doesn't expect that this decision would allow trading and sharing of spectrum that were approved after the 2015 airwave auctions to come in the way of the upcoming auction. He thinks that the size of the Indian market justifies further investment into the spectrum. 
 
Talking of the other end of the deal, telecom operators have said that the price suggested by the telecom regulator for the auction of 700MHz spectrum is too steep. 
 
<a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2500654/images/o-RAVI-SHANKAR-PRASAD-facebook.jpg">Image source</a>

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