TELECOM DEPARTMENT
Government may be on target on telecom revenues despite weak auction
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to earn around Rs 1.20 lakh crore in revenue receipts this fiscal, with state-run BSNL contributing significantly, despite a tepid response to the recent spectrum sale. The government is likely to retain its revenue target from the telecom sector in the upcoming budget, with estimates suggesting a significant portion will come from past auction dues, spectrum usage charges, and licence fees.
Spectrum auction: DoT to issue demand note to Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Jio this week for payment
Telcos receive a demand note for spectrum payment this week after the two-day auction. Airtel led the bidding, with Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea also participating. The note outlines upfront or instalment payment options, due within ten days.
Trai inputs sought on rolling out authorisation mechanism
"Trai met the telecom operators and internet service providers today (Thursday) to seek their inputs on the authorisation structure. The players can provide their comments by early next week, following which Trai will issue a consultation paper," an official told ET on condition of anonymity. The Telecommunications Act, which came into force on June 26, calls for a simple regulatory framework by abolishing the license regime and replacing it with an authorisation mechanism.
Know all about the Telecom Act which came into effect on June 26
(DoT) initiated the process in July 2022 and a draft Bill was put out for consultation in September that year. During the consultation process, 60 ministries, 35 associations, 89 companies including seven telcos and internet service providers, and over 700 other entities responded. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 18, 2023, and was passed by the Lower House of Parliament on December 20, 2023 and the Rajya Sabha on the following day.
Airtel prepays Rs 7,904 cr to clear all spectrum dues
Bharti Airtel has prepaid ₹7,904 crore to the telecom department, clearing the remaining payment for spectrum bought in 2012 and 2015 auctions. This move will lead to interest cost savings and boost cash flows as the company nears the completion of its nationwide 5G rollout. The prepaid amount fully clears all deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired in the 2012 and 2015 auctions, which had the highest interest costs of 9.75% and 10%, respectively. The company had opted for a four-year moratorium on spectrum and adjusted gross revenue payments, estimated to give it around ₹48,000 crore in cash flow relief.
Jio Satellite Communications seeks trial spectrum after IN-Space clearance
The Department of Telecom has already granted satellite communication service licence GMPCS and internet service provider licence to Jio Satellite Communications.
Modi 3.0: Industry seeks roadmap to cement India's lead in global digital arena, vows support
The Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) has expressed full support for India's digital and telecom transformation under the new government, emphasising the need for a clear roadmap to solidify the country's leadership in digital infrastructure. DIPA highlighted the success of initiatives like Digital India and PM WiFi Access Network in enabling broad digital adoption, with Director General Tilak Raj Dua stressing the industry's readiness to collaborate with the government.
Trai reviewing norms for inactive landline and mobile connections, seeks feedback
The telecom regulator is seeking input on defining inactive landline and mobile connections as part of a discussion paper for a revised national numbering plan. It also seeks industry suggestions on reusing numbering resources from inactive connections.
5G spectrum auction put off again till June 25
This is the second time the spectrum sale has been pushed back. It was originally scheduled on May 20, and was initially deferred to June 6, in the wake of the general elections. Now, mock auctions will be conducted on June 13 and 14, the DoT said in its official notification amending the auction rules. This time round, 5G airwaves in eight bands — the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3.3 GHz and 26 GHz bands — worth over Rs 96,000 crore at base prices, will be on sale.
Telecom gear makers seek 2-year extension for security testing of customers' WiFi
Telecom gear manufacturers are pushing to delay the mandatory security testing deadline for WiFi CPE and IP routers, requesting a two-year extension and voluntary certification. They cited high costs and limited accredited labs. The Department of Telecommunications had previously extended the application start date to January 1, 2024, and then to July 1, 2024, with further extensions for certified models.
DoT mulls using drones, balloons for 5G connectivity in emergencies
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is considering using drones and tethered balloons to restore 5G connectivity during emergencies and natural disasters. Trials are likely to be conducted soon to test this initiative, with a decision expected by June next year. This approach aims to provide temporary 5G networks during disasters, offering connectivity in remote locations or when normal telecom services are disrupted. The government believes this method is more convenient than setting up new mobile sites and can utilize existing spectrum and power supply backups.
Telecom service providers seek urgent intervention from DoT to curb rising equipment theft
Telecom service providers in India are facing a surge in theft of critical equipment, disrupting services and causing financial losses. This has prompted Lt. Gen. Dr SP Kochhar to urgently appeal to the Department of Telecommunications. The thefts mainly target Remote Radio Units and Baseband Units. Specific regions like Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are heavily impacted. Stolen equipment is rarely recovered, leading to service outages and legal challenges.
Govt planning new way to save you from bank and other financial scams
Amidst the surge in phone call scams, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has unveiled a new solution to differentiate between authentic calls and those orchestrated by fraudsters. As per reports from ToI, the DoT has designated a distinct 10-digit numbering series commencing with 160 for service and transactional calls originating from governmental bodies, regulatory agencies, and financial institutions.
Govt blacklists 8 principal entities in fresh strike down on SMS scammers
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has taken this decisive action to protect citizens from potential SMS fraud through the Sanchar Saathi initiative, the government said in a statement Monday.
GST to be paid by telcos along with instalments towards spectrum charges
The spectrum will be assigned for 20 years and successful bidders will be allowed to make payments in 20 equal annual instalments in the coming mega auction.
Mobile users can expect relief from 'spoof international calls'
Hoax international calls originate outside the country, but cyber criminals manipulate the calling line identity (CLI) to make such calls appear as originating within India. The DoT has directed telecom carriers to block such calls. DoT noted that fraudsters are making international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers to Indian citizens and committing cyber-crime and financial fraud.
Govt directs telcos to block incoming international spoofed calls
The government directed telecom operators to block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers to prevent cyber-crime and financial frauds by fraudsters and cyber-criminals.
Govt working to block international spoof calls duping Indians
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Department of Telecom (DoT) are collaborating to block spoof calls originating from outside India, particularly those claiming digital arrests by agencies like the NCB or CBI. They are also partnering with Microsoft to curb the misuse of logos of Indian enforcement agencies by scamsters. Many cases involve callers impersonating law enforcement personnel to extort money, with thousands of Skype IDs created for this purpose.
Top regulators, govt departments join forces to counter pesky calls, online fraud
Regulators such as RBI, SEBI, Trai, along with government departments like the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, and DoT, convened on May 21 to address the issue of pesky communications and online financial fraud. Discussions centered on tightening KYC rules, improving information sharing among stakeholders, and enhancing consent mechanisms. Trai's joint committee of regulators is spearheading collaborative efforts to tackle digital regulatory implications.
Load More
