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Alarmed at the rising pesky mobile calls and text messages by telemarketers, the <keyword id="30356" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="telecom-regulatory-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI) on Thursday directed all telecom service providers to reverify registered headers and message templates on distributed ledger technologies (<keyword id="4388846" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="dlt" source="Orion">DLT</keyword>) platform and block all unverified headers and message templates within 30 and 60 days, respectively. In a new directive, the telecom regulator said that the mobile operators need to ensure that temporary headers are deactivated immediately after the time duration for which such headers were created. TRAI issued new directions to providers to stop the misuse of headers and message templates and curb unauthorised promotions using telecom resources. The telecom regulator told the mobile operators to remove confusion among recipients of messages and prevent their misuse and no look-alike headers (headers which are similar by virtue of a combination of small case or large case letters) are to be registered by <keyword id="16550150" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="access-providers" source="Orion">access providers</keyword> in names of different principal entities. "Access providers have been directed to bar all telemarketers, who are not registered on the DLT platform from handling the message template scrubbing and delivery of messages to recipients through Access Providers' network," read the TRAI note. It directed mobile operators to take action against erring telemarketers as per the provisions of the regulations and also initiate actions as per relevant legal laws. All the telecom service providers have been directed to comply with the above directions within 30 days. Earlier this week, a survey revealed that two in three Indians get three or more pesky calls every day and 50 per cent of them said such calls originate from the personal number of people. According to <keyword id="6379818" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="localcircles" source="Orion">LocalCircles</keyword> which conducted the survey, 45 per cent of people get on average 3-5 pesky calls each day while 16 per cent claimed to get 6-10 such calls per day. Around 60 per cent received most calls related to "selling financial services", 18 per cent got most calls related to "selling real estate" while 10 per cent received most calls "offering a job/earnings opportunity." TRAI has called a meeting with mobile phone operators on February 17 to discuss the quality of wireline and wireless services. The meeting will discuss potential "measures and action plan to improve the quality of service (QoS), review the current QoS standards, QoS for 5G services, and unsolicited commercial communications". TRAI in 2022 had released a consultation paper on the mandatory implementation of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) in telecommunication networks which are designed to display the name of the caller (even if the receiver has not saved the same on their device/SIM) on the receiver's screen when the call connects. However, complaints from consumers continued to rise and unsolicited communications is something people have been regularly discussing about, according to LocalCircles. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iqoo-neo-7-vs-oneplus-11r-mobile-phone-comparison-of-price-specification-and-features/slidelist/97973677.cms">iQOO Neo 7 vs OnePlus 11R – price, specs and features compared</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/maggi-kitkat-maker-nestle-india-reports-highest-domestic-growth-in-a-decade-in-fy22/articleshow/97974283.cms">Maggi &amp; KitKat maker Nestle India reports highest domestic growth in a decade in FY22</a>

Block pesky calls and texts from telemarketers, TRAI tells telecos

The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Telecom+Regulatory+Authority+of+India">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</a> will analyze call drop data from its recent drive through testing and ‘take appropriate action, Chairman <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=R+S+Sharma">R S Sharma</a> said. 
 
The regulator will conduct its next drive in April, and more cities will be covered in the second round. 
 
The regulator posted service quality results from drive through in seven cities showing telcos had failed the random drive tests in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Surat, Indore and Bhubaneshwar. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Telecom+Regulatory+Authority+of+India">TRAI</a> has mandated that no more than 2% calls on a telecom operator's network should drop. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

TRAI Chairman confirms next call quality drive
tests in April

With the cabinet’s nod to a fresh round of auction of 700mhz of premium <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=spectrum&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">spectrum</a> sometime by August 2016, the department of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=telecom&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">telecom</a> is now gearing up for the single largest commercial auction of airwaves ever done. And this time around, the total bandwidth being auctioned is 2000mhz. 
 
Clear Benefits 
 
Here’s why the premium 700mhz band can be an answer to all our woes. To start with it’s an <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=LTE+band&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">LTE band</a>; it can provide high speed internet connectivity and interruption free voice calls. Due to its low frequency, the band will be able to provide the most effective indoor coverage and better connectivity in remote areas. Low frequency will also mean lesser investment in infrastructure with fewer telecom towers. Over 40 countries all over the world primarily use the 700mhz band for 4g or LTE services. These countries include the likes of US, Australia, Singapore and even countries like Brazil and Nepal. 
 
Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? And the government now has given its stamp of approval in order to put the band under the hammer in the upcoming spectrum auction that is likely to happen by August 2016. 
 
So where is the problem, you ask. Here’s a quick recap first. 
 
There has been a lot (I mean a LOT) of back and forth between the telecom regulator and the telecom department on 700mhz band with the telecom companies chiming in every now and then. 
 
Big telecom companies like <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=airtel&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Airtel</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=idea&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Idea</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=vodafone&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Vodafone</a> had asked the DoT and <keyword id="6356988" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="TRAI">TRAI</keyword> to not auction the 700mhz band just yet, as there is not much demand for the band at this point, the DoT backs the thought too, but the TRAI (<keyword id="30356" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom-Regulatory-Authority-of-India">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword>) has been adamant, looking at the widened subscriber base and manifold jump in data traffic, that there could be a demand for the 700mhz band and therefore it should be auctioned now. 
 
The obvious, yet big problems 
 
Two key concerns for telecom operators have always been availability of spectrum and the pricing of spectrum. In the case of 700mhz band, TRAI is making spectrum available, but operators are asking the regulator to hold on. And in the case of the pricing of 700mhz band, it is now the most expensive spectrum band priced at 11, 500cr which is four times the price of the 1800mhz (Frequency also used for providing 4G services) that was auctioned a few years ago. Needless to say, operators are not happy. 
 While telecom operators are dealing with issues such as availability of spectrum and its pricing, another big concern that directly affects the consumers like you and me, is the ecosystem for the new technology. There is still very limited number of smart phones that support the 700mhz LTE band in India. Which means even if the government auctions it and operators buy it, it will still be a few years before we get to experience the technology. Just how it happened in the case of 2300mhz(4G) auction that took place in 2010. It’s only very recently that we have seen major telecom operators like <keyword id="15491" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airtel">Airtel</keyword>, <keyword id="15492" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vodafone">Vodafone</keyword>, Idea launching their 4G services and <keyword id="6354504" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Jio">Reliance Jio</keyword>, the sole operator that won 4G spectrum in all the circles and potentially the biggest 4G player, is yet to officially launch its 4G services even after 6yrs. 
 
So just in case you are getting excited in anticipation of being able to use high speed, super fast internet on the 700Mhz band, please don’t let any developments around it fool you just yet. You still have a good couple of years to be able to experience this technology and may I remind you, we are still dealing with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=call+drops&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">call drops</a>! 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Don’t let the Govt’s call for the largest airwave auction in history fool you just yet

Apart from PM Modi’s foreign jaunts, Raffale deal and the economic status of Dassault company; Indians on the net are busy discussing and debating something else. This time, it is not ‘my way or highway’ kind of a speech. They are seriously drawing up petitions, waking up those in net slumber to get up and vote for a level playing ground as far as <keyword id="6357247" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Internet">internet</keyword> usage is concerned. <keyword id="6391709" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Net-neutrality">Net Neutrality</keyword> is trending on Indian internet and how! 
 
Before we get to the discussion on the significance of net neutrality, it is important to understand why it became such a raging debate in India and US, while China and UK have largely remained aloof from this matter. In US, the Federal Communications Commission recently released detailed report on how it would regulate internet service providers as a public utility. Has this made things better? Well, for starters, the entire thing looks all set for a legal battle in the days to come. 
 
Right now net neutrality sounds perfectly delicious. More or less like a free meal which we have been savouring so far, without knowing it was free. Or, was it, really? 
 When the <keyword id="30356" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom-Regulatory-Authority-of-India">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> and Government come together to make sure consumers cough up more to access a few services and apps, net neutrality may be understood better in experience than as a concept. But in more ways than one, how will it make any difference to the end user? Right now, those who are supporting net neutrality are the general public who are hooked to the net like it is their alternate form of existence. Like their alter ego lives somewhere in the hinterlands of net, and that they have to save it from being shot down. 
For a large section of society which is still out of the clutches of the internet, and smartphones; net neutrality doesn’t mean a thing. 
 
Again, for those whom it matters; net neutrality is some sort of a lifeline since they anticipate that the internet may not function as efficiently as it does now. Like a level playing field. And guess what, they are right to a large extent! 
 
UK has remained aloof to this entire net neutrality thing owing to the fact that internet itself is in knots over there. In simple words, it’s anarchic. Or, even better way of putting it would be to understand that UK, and other countries such as Japan, and South Korea etc have known that the consumers are well prepared to pay for a few services which can be far more efficient than the others. So, net neutrality falls flat in such cases. Things could change for better, but people may have to wake up before they are taken for a ride too far. 
 
In India, the wake up call has been sounded and various internet activists have been making sounds about retaining the net neutrality – which is about providing uniform space for communication using the internet. This means the service provider should allow equal speed access to all the sites as desired by the consumer/customer as he/she pleases without influencing the decision or forcing the person to change the course. 
 
If net neutrality is compromised with, it is bound to make some services costlier than the others by which way there would be huge disparity in the way ecommerce is growing in India. For instance, Flipkart has already said it would go with differential pricing. Same isn’t the case with Zomato which is still finding its feet in the net world. 
 
At a basic economic level, net neutrality makes sense for Indian market because it seems like it posts huge savings for the various age groups of people who access the net – through their phones or personal computers. Right now, one can buy a recharge pack at highly affordable prices. Differential pricing may actually kill this market, thus posting heavy loss to the telecom industry and mobile operators. 
 
The way things are proceeding, looks like the progress that was achieved through mobile portability or the sense of democracy that came with it, would be undone with net neutrality coming down. 
 
Tearing into the territory of ‘level playing field’ would be difficult since smartphone users are also aware of the economy boost they are providing. But, to understand that economy will find new ways to grow and will turn innovative to make new forays is a simple thing. Whether India will retain its net neutrality today only to undo it tomorrow is a million dollar question. Whatever may be the outcome of this battle; one thing would be clear. When it comes to internet, people rule the roost. 
Image: thinkstock

#NetNeutrality is trending: Is India heading 'towards' or 'beyond'?

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) has written to the <keyword id="30356" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="telecom-regulatory-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI) stating that the complaint is a deliberate malicious attempt by Bharti <keyword id="15491" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="airtel" source="Orion">Airtel</keyword> Limited (Airtel) to defame RJILs consumer-friendly tariffs in order to protect its narrow interests. Bharti Airtel had filed a complaint on alleged predatory offers of Live TV channels with broadband plans by RJIL. RJIL said a close reading of the complaint letter would clearly establish that Airtel's sole grouse is that JioFiber is offering reasonable tariffs to customers. "Evidently, all its unsubstantiated claims of predation, non-level playing field, and non-compliance with TTOs and NTO are just woven around this singular theme and this complaint should be dismissed simply on the ground of being a frivolous attempt to protect its own interests. Further, Airtel should be warned against making such frivolous complaints in future," RJIL said. It added that the <keyword id="16958414" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jiofiber-backup" source="Orion">JioFiber backup</keyword> tariff is an earnest attempt by RJIL to connect all consumers to fiber optics technology in order to deliver best-in-class connectivity services. JioFiber Backup plan is a 10 Mbps FTTX plan at a monthly rental of Rs 198 (plus taxes). This plan is available only on 5 months advance rental at one go. Further, the subscribers have the option to add Add-on packs of Rs 100 or Rs 200 per month provided by Jio Platforms Limited (<keyword id="136455" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jpl" source="Orion">JPL</keyword>) in order to get access to up to 14 OTT apps along with Jio's OTT apps provided by JPL. Thus, it is evident that RJIL's product offering is limited to connectivity services and it does not include subscriptions to OTT applications or any broadcasting services, the company said in its response to TRAI. RJIL said this is a confusing attempt to deprive the JioFiber customers of an affordable offering that also provides an OTT app subscription at a reasonable price. "Evidently, as Airtel does not have sufficient grounds, it is desperately trying to mix different regulations to make an invalid point. In view of this, we reiterate that Airtel's complaint should be summarily dismissed," RJIL said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/keshub-mahindra-the-man-who-played-in-a-role-in-building-indias-auto-industry/articleshow/99425922.cms">Keshub Mahindra: The man who thought impossible is possible</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/rrr-star-ntr-jr-teams-up-with-hrithik-roshan-for-war-2-set-to-start-shooting-in-november/articleshow/99427591.cms">RRR star NTR Jr teams up with Hrithik Roshan for 'War 2', set to start shooting in November</a>

Deliberate malicious attempt by Bharti Airtel to defame our consumer friendly tariffs: Reliance Jio to TRAI

Meta-owned WhatsApp has become a spam factory as more than one in two Indians now say that they are facing four or more spam messages each day, a report showed on Wednesday. Despite clear norms laid by the <keyword id="30356" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="telecom-regulatory-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI) on unsolicited communication, consumers still face unwanted calls, SMS (short messaging services) and Whatsapp messages from vendors, telemarketers, banks, insurance brokers, car dealers, pathology labs, property and other investment agents, among others. About 68 per cent of mobile subscribers, on average, receive 4 or more promotional or spam SMSs every day with every subscriber surveyed getting spam, according to the online community platform <keyword id="6379818" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="localcircles" source="Orion">LocalCircles</keyword>. About 95 per cent of Whatsapp subscribers surveyed got spam while every mobile subscriber surveyed got it. Financial services, real estate services, and pathology services are the top sectors sending spam SMS as well as spam Whatsapp, indicating the same offenders are now spamming using both channels. About 77 per cent of mobile subscribers surveyed want the TRAI to work with telcos and enable a mark spam feature with each SMS. There were reports that the Department of Telecommunication (DOT) has decided to levy fines ranging from Rs 1,000 per violation for zero-10 breaches, Rs 5,000 each for 10-50 violations, and Rs 10,000 each for more than 50 violations by registered telemarketers. However, the telecom authority has not issued any notification in this regard. "Unsolicited SMS, not to be confused with communication from government or any other authorised source, is a misuse of citizens' personal data. Many people face issues of unwanted messages and calls made to them by fraudsters, spammers, telemarketers, despite registering on TRAI's Do Not Call Registry (NDNS)," the findings showed. Last year, around 93 million phone numbers registered with the TRAI's NDNS were kept on sale on the Darknet, according to reports. <keyword id="4936066" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="whatsapp-business" source="Orion">Whatsapp Business</keyword> was rolled out a few years ago and in 2021, the company mandated that users of the platform must receive messages from Whatsapp Business (based on their usage of Whatsapp and parent platform Facebook) for them to continue using the platform, according to LocalCircles report. While users resisted this initially and started using alternate platforms like <keyword id="6380504" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="signal" source="Orion">Signal</keyword> and <keyword id="1275203" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="telegram" source="Orion">Telegram</keyword>, over time most gave up and accepted the revised terms. About 77 per cent said that TRAI should work with telcos to mandatorily embed mark spam in each SMS message so users can easily report spammers. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/iit-jodhpur-researchers-design-robotic-trainers-for-lower-limb-rehabilitation/articleshow/94814727.cms" style="">IIT-Jodhpur researchers design robotic trainers for lower limb rehabilitation</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/samsung-says-will-roll-out-5g-software-update-by-mid-november-in-india/articleshow/94807741.cms">Samsung says will roll out 5G software update by mid-November in India</a>

WhatsApp now a spam factory, 1 in 2 Indian swamped with promotional messages: report

About 32 per cent mobile service subscribers do not have coverage for the majority of their day despite paying for 4G/5G services and 69 per cent of those surveyed are facing call connection and drop issues daily, a report has said. Only 26 per cent of mobile services subscribers said their home has good voice coverage for all the existing operators while 5 per cent said their workplace has good voice coverage for all the three operators, according to <keyword id="6379818" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="localcircles" source="Orion">LocalCircles</keyword>. About 20 per cent subscribers face connectivity issues for over 50 per cent of their voice calls. The <keyword id="30356" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="telecom-regulatory-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (<keyword id="6356988" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trai" source="Orion">TRAI</keyword>) had called a meeting with mobile phone operators on February 17 to discuss the quality of wireline and wireless services. The meeting will discuss how to improve the quality of <keyword id="764355" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="5g" source="Orion">5G</keyword> services. LocalCircles shared with TRAI the findings of its survey on 5G services, including that only 16 per cent of mobile subscribers, who had switched to 5G, have indicated an improvement in call connection and drop issues. TRAI said that 5G infrastructure will take time and will be 15-20 times by the end of 2023. However, service quality of <keyword id="122479" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="4g" source="Orion">4G</keyword> was a concern that it is working to address with the operators. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/sell-off-in-adani-group-shares-resumes-after-george-soros-comments/articleshow/98008647.cms">Sell-off in Adani group shares resumes after George Soros’ comments</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/adani-ports-jsw-steel-indusind-bank-top-the-nifty50-list-with-highest-promoter-pledges/slidelist/98008939.cms">Adani Ports, JSW Steel, IndusInd Bank top Nifty50 list with highest promoter pledges</a>

32% mobile subscribers don't have coverage despite paying for 4G, 5G: LocalCircles

Ever since the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=smartphones">smartphone</a> revolution started, its growth has been unabated. Increasingly, there are more <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=indian+internet+users">mobile internet users</a> than on a desktop and maybe a day would come when there will be only smartphone internet users. <o:p></o:p>

	Irrespective of the platform, one thing is certain, consumers will demand services that are better and faster and that too at affordable prices. In this unstoppable quest for speed and quality of telecom services, now we have fourth generation networks, or <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=4G">4G</a> communication networks. <o:p></o:p>

	<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=bharti+airtel">Bharti Airtel</a>, India’s largest telecom, recently announced rolling out of 4G services in 296 towns and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=jio">Reliance Jio</a> is expected to offer it by this year end. <o:p></o:p>

	This means, with 4G you can shop, pay bills, watch videos, do live equities trading with more clarity and less buffering. Simply put, 4G speeds up the internet experience — it’s a better highway to drive on and the speed here is almost five times that of what you get on 3G networks. The 4G networks are built to handle mobile internet and data efficiently. As a result users get faster and reliable connectivity. <o:p></o:p>

	Internet uploads and downloads becomes fast and with 4G, data access — YouTube videos, downloading movies, mobile TV experience etc, gets better and there’s a very visible impact on productivity. Basically anything to do with data will download at a faster rate. Millions of users are already reaping the benefits of 4G in countries like the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore and others.<o:p></o:p>

	4G coverage can go as far as 30 miles, offering a wider network range when compared to other internet services. On security and privacy as well, 4G is far superior over other networks. Combine this with a data offload strategy into Wi-Fi hotspots and the sort of ubiquitous connectivity that consumers are increasingly seeking may become a reality. <o:p></o:p>

	If closely monitored and timed, downloading a song will take 2.5 seconds on 4G when compared with 3G, which will take at least 10 seconds. Downloading a full Bollywood movie will take about 9 minutes on 4G, while it takes about 42 minutes to an hour on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=3G">3G</a> networks. <o:p></o:p>

	Users will be able to watch cricket matches and replays and also catch up with action across sporting events at 2016 Rio Olympics or any other sport without buffering. That’s simply because download is much faster. On 4G speeds can reach up to 100 mbps compared to 20 mbps on 3G.<o:p></o:p>

	Already, the increasing data consumption in India points to users wanting to do more on smart devices and here 4G will be of immense benefit. The recent quarterly numbers of Bharti <keyword id="15491" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Airtel">Airtel</keyword> are a reflection of that growth. For the quarter ended June this year, about 19.6% of Airtel’s India revenue came from data services, compared with 12.4% in the same quarter last year. Data usage grew 83% to 102 million mb while data usage per customer went up 43% at 706 MB.<o:p></o:p>

	According to recent industry reports, the number of mobile web users in India is expected to grow around 28% annually from 2013 to 2017, to reach 315 million by end of 2017. The high speed 4G networks will transform user experience of internet on the go with uninterrupted video streaming and super quick downloading of movies, music, images and more.<o:p></o:p>

	The economic impact of 4G will be immense — as productivity improves there will be a positive impact on the country’s GDP, like it has witnessed in developed countries. 4G will create thousands of new direct and indirect jobs as well in areas of network management, 4G device manufacturing, services and support. <o:p></o:p>

	Given that India is a very price sensitive market, operators will be offering innovative plans to keep 4G costs within reach of the masses. As early adopters migrate to 4G and experience benefits of faster speeds, more people are likely to shift to the faster networks.<o:p></o:p>

	Studies reveal that only about 13% of India’s 943 million mobile subscribers use 3G services. According to the <keyword id="30356" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Telecom-Regulatory-Authority-of-India">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI), the total broadband users (for mobile phones and dongles) stood at about 70 million as of December 2014. Overall data consumption in the country is also very low compared to rest of the world. While cost is a factor (though India already has one of the lowest telecom rates in the world), many users are unaware of the benefits of internet. As operators roll out 4G networks they need to educate masses and get more first time users to avail of the benefits of internet. As for users already on 3G and bugged with issues like buffering, 4G gives the best and most reliable experience available. 
	 
	(The article is written by Nigel Eastwood, CEO, New Call Telecom Ltd) 
(Image: Thinkstock)

Need for speed? Here’s why 4G is your way out

<ul><li>On 20 June the government issued a notice that allows individual telecom operators to offer their own online calling apps. </li><li>The recommendations made by the <keyword id="30356" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom-Regulatory-Authority-of-India">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI) were green-lit by the <keyword id="158388" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom-Commission">Telecom Commission</keyword>. </li><li>The only recommendation that wasn’t approved was where apps should have their own mobile numbering series. </li></ul>If users want to make a call using the internet, they have to do it using a over-the-top service like <keyword id="790242" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="WhatsApp">Whatsapp</keyword> or <keyword id="6354576" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="facebook">Facebook</keyword>. But with latest government notice, telecom service providers like <keyword id="6354287" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="bharti-airtel">Bharti Airtel</keyword>, <keyword id="6354504" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-jio">Reliance Jio</keyword> and <keyword id="15492" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vodafone">Vodafone</keyword> can also enter the arena of <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/govt-opens-up-internet-telephony-to-telcos/article24212550.ece">internet telephony</a>. Following the recommendations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) late last year, the Telecom Commission finally gave the green light last month, which the government followed with a notice on Wednesday, 20 June. More or less, all the guidelines put down by TRAI were accepted by the Telecom Commission except for the one pertaining to these apps having their own mobile numbering series. This basically means that internet phone calls can be done using one service provider’s app even if you’re using the internet service provided by a different service provider. Otherwise, users would have to been on the same network for on components for net calling to work. As per reports, TRAI is going ahead with this venture to increase the rate of successful calls. It specifically applies to indoor areas where mobile signals may not be strong, but Wi-Fi or public hotspots are available.

Telecom operators may soon be coming out with their own online calling apps

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (<keyword id="19942079" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="TRAI" source="keywords">TRAI</keyword>) has urged the government to launch the <keyword id="22872478" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tera-Hertz" source="keywords">Tera Hertz</keyword> Experimental Authorisation (THEA), a program aimed at boosting research and development in the Tera Hertz frequency band. This frequency band has unique properties that could make it crucial for next-generation wireless communication technologies, including <keyword id="20669191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="6G" source="keywords">6G</keyword>. On Wednesday, TRAI released its recommendations on the Tera Hertz Spectrum. This followed a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on December 8, 2022, for advice on using unused or minimally used spectrum bands in the Tera Hertz range for limited periods to generate demand. "The purpose of THEA should be to promote Research &amp; Development (R&amp;D), indoor and outdoor testing, technology trial, experimentation, and demonstration in the 95 GHz to 3 THz range," stated TRAI. These recommendations are intended to empower entrepreneurs, startups, and academic institutions to explore new technologies and applications within this high-frequency spectrum. The spectrum has immense potential in various fields, including telecommunications, automotive, and medical industries. TRAI has proposed a five-year authorisation period for THEA, with the possibility of extending it for another five years. This allows for extensive experimentation and development. Innovators can apply for THEA by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 1,000, making it accessible to a wide range of stakeholders. "Any Indian Entity (Academic institute, R&amp;D Laboratory, Central/ State Government, public sector unit, Union Territory, Technology Park, telecommunication service provider, incubator, original equipment manufacturer, etc.) should be eligible to obtain THEA," mentioned TRAI. The authorisation covers several frequency bands, including 116-123 GHz, 174.8-182 GHz, 185-190 GHz, and 244-246 GHz, with specific provisions for automotive radar systems in the 77-81 GHz range. Experts believe THEA will significantly enhance India's technological landscape by enabling hands-on experimentation. This will help innovators assess the performance and viability of their products during crucial development stages. Additionally, it will support the "Make in India" initiative. "Upon implementation, the new experimental authorisation regime recommended by the Authority will provide a boost to the 'Make in India' initiatives of the Government," TRAI added. THEA's launch aligns with the government's broader vision of fostering a culture of innovation and research in the country. "The introduction of next-generation <keyword id="22150173" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wireless-technologies" source="keywords">wireless technologies</keyword> that could be deployed both indoor and outdoor, operating over distances ranging from less than a meter to several hundred meters, and deliver increased capacity and reliability for existing use cases as well as new and emerging use cases," said TRAI. By encouraging the development of advanced solutions, India aims to enhance its technological capabilities and contribute to global advancements in various industries. As the world turns to high-frequency technologies, THEA could elevate India's position on the global tech stage. (ANI)

TRAI recommends launch of THEA to boost 6G and next-gen wireless technologies in India

<ul><li>According to data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, <keyword id="6354504" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-jio">Reliance Jio</keyword> added 8.5 million users in August.</li><li><keyword id="1553175" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vodafone-Idea">Vodafone Idea</keyword> lost 5 million subscribers in August.</li><li>Sunil Mittal led Airtel seems to have gained some momentum even though it lost 0.6 million users.</li></ul>Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Jio continues to expand its user base. According to data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Reliance Jio added 8.5 million users in August. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea lost 5 million subscribers whereas Sunil Mittal-led Airtel lost 0.6 million users. The debt-laden BSNL too lost 0.2 million subscribers. 
 
 
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 At his AGM in August, Ambani said that his <a href="https://gadgets.ndtv.com/telecom/news/reliance-jio-340-million-subscribers-agm-2019-announcement-2083822">target </a>is to expand Jio’s user base to 500 million. It is adding roughly 8 million users every month. This seems to put him in a comfortable position to hit the target. Since January, Jio added 58.8 million users. Vodafone Idea lost 40.15 million subscribers, whereas Airtel lost 12.4 million users. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mukesh-ambanis-jio-faces-backlash-for-tariff-increase/articleshow/71573757.cms">Reliance Jio is paying the price for being the ‘second SIM’ of choice</a>

Reliance Jio added 60 million users so far this year while Vodafone Idea lost 40 million

<keyword id="6356988" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="TRAI">TRAI</keyword> (<keyword id="30356" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom-Regulatory-Authority-of-India">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword>) has said that the nation has very few Wi-Fi hotspots and has recommended that a neutral Wi-Fi infrastructure be deployed so as to bridge the digital divide. 
 
“In regions like the US, UK, and France, there are millions of Wi-Fi hotspots but in India, it is just 35,000, which is a pity,” Trai chairman RS Sharma told ET, 
 
"We are recommending that the government use a neutral Wi-Fi architecture so that anyone, irrespective of internet service provider, will be able to latch on to any hotspot, and use the network and pay accordingly,” he further added. 
 TRAI floated a consultation paper on the matter in July, with comments sought until August 24, and responded to them by September 7.it said that neutral Wi-Fi network, will avoid duplication of infrastructure. . Broadband connectivity, a cornerstone of the government's <keyword id="1929810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-India">Digital India</keyword> initiative, will depend on leveraging cable TV infrastructure, satellite bandwidth and executing <keyword id="2791195" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="BharatNet">BharatNet</keyword> through the build-ownoperate-transfer (BOOT) model. 
 
"The fundamental on which Digital India rests is a ubiquitous broadband connectivity or broadband as a utility service. Digital India is the most transformative project of the current government with a vision to change India into a knowledge economy,” Sharma told ET. 
 "We are providing appropriate recommendations to the government to solve broadband connectivity problem, as India does not have an impressive ranking. In some areas, the ranking is lower than countries like <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> and some African nations. Such measures taken jointly would lead to a substantial improvement in digital connectivity,” the TRAI chief said. 
 
TRAI had suggested the government to opt for BOOT model for its BharatNet strategy with active participation from entrepreneurs to operate, use and market the network, besides utilising cable TV infrastructure for speedier broadband penetration. 
 
"If 100 million cable TV homes carry 10 Mbps or more bandwidth, then we can have a reliable broadband infrastructure,” Sharma said, 
 
He also said that the satellite-based communications would facilitate digital connectivity in remote areas but policy impediments were holding this back. 
(Image: Indiatimes)

TRAI favours neutral Wi-Fi infrastructure and believes that it will bridge the digital divide

Tata group satellite services firm <keyword id="217765" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="nelco" source="Orion">Nelco</keyword> has withdrawn application for offering personal satellite communication services to consumers in the country and plans to apply for a new licence under <keyword id="182283" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-space-policy" source="Orion">New Space Policy</keyword>, a top company official has said. Nelco has withdrawn the application for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, which it had earlier submitted to the Department of telecommunications (DoT). The company plans to apply for a relevant permit after going through the contours of the New Space Policy. "The company has all licences required to provide all satellite services permissible in the country and the company will apply for relevant permit after going through the contours of the New Space Policy and outcome of consultation paper floated by telecom regulator Trai," Nelco, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer PJ Nath told PTI on Wednesday. The GMPCS licence at present allows licence holders to provide satellite phone services in India. "We at Nelco are looking to expand satcom in a big way. We have got a very ambitious plan for entire satcom services. We want to take judicious calls based on the changing and regulatory environment," Nath said. Nath further said that the company is getting into new segments as the regulation is opening. "We will also get into the consumer market where it has not been possible to go with satellite communication because of technical and other issues. With the New Space Policy coming, we will also get there. We are expanding our business," Nath said. The Indian Space Policy 2023, approved by the cabinet last week seeks to institutionalise private sector participation in the space sector, with ISRO focusing on research and development of advanced space technologies. Nelco at present provides in-flight and maritime services through satellite as well as satellite-based communication to enterprise customers through <keyword id="237940" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vsat" source="Orion">VSAT</keyword> and other licences. "DoT has given clarification that with our VSAT licence we can address land mobility on cars, buses etc. Technically in any market that we want to address today, we can do that with a current license," he said. Nath said that the New Space Policy has been announced and details of the policy are expected to come out within a week. "This is going to be completely a game changer. Lot of regulation will be eased out," Nath said. He said there is a spectrum consultation paper from the <keyword id="30356" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="telecom-regulatory-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (TRAI) which may lead to some changes in the satellite sector. "We are looking at that aspect and then apply for permits that will be required," Nath said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/these-financial-tasks-to-complete-in-april-to-set-the-course-for-the-new-financial-year/slidelist/99455421.cms#slideid=99456011">5 financial tasks to complete in April to set the course for the new financial year</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-finally-focuses-on-affordable-electric-scooters-after-losing-its-lead-to-ola-electric-and-tvs-motor/articleshow/99456189.cms">Ather finally focuses on affordable electric scooters after losing its lead to Ola Electric and TVS Motor</a>

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