Telecom Sector Regulation In India

This book traces important legal and regulatory developments in the first two decades since the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established, along with its political and economic aspects. It narrates the story of the institutional progress of TRAI and its influence on the growth of India’s telecom sector. The telecom revolution was a game changer in post-liberalization India, a country today home to the second largest subscriber base in the world– more people have access to mobile phones than toilets. Its rapid, relentless growth has created new possibilities and challenges, including a robust regulatory policy. This book, the first comprehensive survey of TRAI’s progress, examines the salient developments in regulation of the Indian telecom sector. It analyses, at the macro-institutional level, the norms and rules reconstituted over time; at the institutional level, the impact of important court judgments, relevant telecom case law (including the 2G judgment and Adjusted Gross Revenue-related cases), and the ‘judicialization’ of regulatory governance; and, at the micro-institutional level, the mechanisms of governance of TRAI and the way its functioning has affected the alignment of incentives in the regulatory space. It provides an overview of the regulatory framework and the context in which the telecom sector was deregulated, the structure of internal governance, and issues in telecom licensing and spectrum allotment. The book combines academic rigour and empirical research with a practitioner’s perspective of the unfolding events. It will interest students and researchers of economics, law, public policy, communications technology, and ICT policy and regulation, as well as telecom sector professionals, service providers, academic experts, policymakers, and think tanks.

Telecom, a phenomenon of the 1990s, has been witnessing tremendous growth, contributing to more than 2 per cent of India's GDP. Once considered a luxury, it is now accessible to all sections of society. Penetrating to even the remotest corners of the country, it is now propelling a revolution. Next to China, India is today the second largest telecom market in the world. This book highlights the unique cost structure, tariff regulation, and universal service obligations of basic telecom services. It dwells upon the different stages of spectrum allocation and management, including third generation and broadband wireless services. The trade-off between competition and industry efficiency due to limited spectrum availability and fragmentation is well emphasized. The value chain of the broadcasting sector and unique satellite applications are assessed. The book cites success stories of cost-effective operator services. The reasons for the lagging manufacturing sector in the telecom industry are carefully delineated. Finally, alliances and partnerships amongst different entities in the sector are analysed.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is an independent regulating body established under TRAI Act to regulate the telecommunications business in India. Its mission is to ensure that the interests of consumers are protected and at the same time to nurture conditions for growth of telecommunications, broadcasting and cable services in a manner and at a pace which will enable India to play a leading role in the emerging global information society. After its constitution, it has framed various policies and regulation to ensure that consumer may get maximum benefits of services offered by various service providers. It first introduces a consultation paper, then invites feedbacks and organizes open house discussion to ensure that the consultation papers are properly evaluated. The most recent consulation paper by TRAI is on very important issue of interconnect usage charges (IUC). IUC are payable by one service provider to the other for usage of the network elements for origination, transit or termination of calls. In last 14 years of Journey, TRAI has been instrumental in regulating the Telecom industry by drafting and framing regulation, issuing notification, organizing open house discussion, issuing tariff orders etc.

India Telecom Laws and Regulations Handbook Volume 1 Strategic Information and Basic Regulations

This Book Assesses Th Eimpact Of Regulatory Reform In The Electricity And Telecom Sectors In This Context. This Book Will Be Useful For Those Who Shall Have To Comply With Reformed Statutes. It Will Be Particularly Useful To Policy-Makers, Regulators, Executives, Academicians, Researchers, Donors, Consultants And All Those Involved In The Design And Implementation Of Reform Programmes.

This book analyzes the growth of the Indian telecommunications industry in the era of liberalization - a period which has witnessed significant changes. Providing a detailed critique of government policy and of industry regulation, the author of this book maintains that the healthy growth of the industry requires a radical change in the entire policy approach. He questions the general impression that the telecommunications industry has been a great success. He offers an alternative way forward describing an efficent system of public policy generated through open public debate.

A comprehensive survey of all segments of the Indian telecommunications sector-basic, mobile, national and long distance telephony, internet, satellite, television, and FM broadcasting services. Discussing network externalities economies of scale and scope, it analyses their effects on market structure and regulation.