Mumbai: On 22 October, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper regarding the terms and conditions for network authorisations under the Telecom Act, 2023. This 166-page document, which includes 37 questions, invites written comments from stakeholders by 12 November  2024 and counter-comments by 19 November 2024.

The paper follows a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), made in a letter dated 26 July, seeking recommendations on terms and conditions, including fees, for establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecommunications networks under the Telecom Act, 2023. Additionally, in a letter dated 17 October, DoT asked TRAI to consider authorising satellite communication networks under the Act.

The consultation paper explores several key issues, such as which telecommunications equipment should fall under 'in-building solutions' (IBS). It also seeks views on whether the scopes of Infrastructure Provider-I (IP-I) and Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) authorisations should be merged. If this merger is deemed necessary, TRAI has asked for input on eligibility requirements, scope of operation, validity period, and terms for the combined authorisation.

Furthermore, the paper addresses Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG) authorisation, asking for stakeholder opinions on the matter.