Andrew Bonwick
Vice President of Product Development at Relm Insurance
Madhav Sheth
CEO of Ai+ Smartphone
Stephen Rose
CEO Render Networks


The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on the terms and conditions for network authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The move aims to streamline regulatory processes, enhance ease of doing business, and support the growth of the telecom sector.
According to the statement, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had sought TRAI’s inputs on the framework for granting authorisations to entities establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecom networks. Following a consultation process, which included public feedback and an open house discussion, TRAI has outlined a structured approach for issuing network authorisations.
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“These recommendations are aimed at fostering growth and enhancing ease of doing business in the telecom sector. Through these recommendations, the Authority has recommended a network authorisation framework, apart from detailed terms and conditions for various network authorisations to be granted under the Telecommunications Act, 2023,” the Ministry of Communications said on Monday, February 17.
Key Recommendations:
Centralised Authorisation: The Central Government should grant network authorisations instead of entering into agreements with entities.
Rule-Based Framework: Detailed terms and conditions should be defined in rules notified under the Act. Any changes, except for national security reasons, should involve TRAI’s recommendations.
Infrastructure Provider (IP) Authorisation: Required for entities managing dark fibers, right of way (RoW), duct space, telecom towers, and in-building solution (IBS).
Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) Authorisation: Covers wireline and radio access networks, transmission links, and Wi-Fi systems.
“Any entity intending to establish, operate, maintain, or expand wireline access network, radio access network (RAN), transmission links, and Wi-Fi systems should obtain DCIP Authorisation from the Central Government,” TRAI’s recommendation said.
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Internet Exchange Point (IXP) Authorisation: Necessary for entities managing internet traffic exchange within India.