For Prelims: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Repealing Regulations, 2001, Basic Service Operators, Internet Service Providers, BSNL, MTNL, VSNL.
For Mains: Significance of the Repealing Regulations, Evolution of Telecommunication Networks, SLA-based Services, Stakeholder Engagement.
Why in the News?
On July 25, 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023 (02 of 2023) with the aim of repealing the Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 (4 of 2001). The decision comes in light of the evolution of telecommunication networks and the shift towards high-speed broadband services, making the older regulations irrelevant in the present context. TRAI had previously invited stakeholder feedback and, considering the aspect of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), has decided to enact the repeal from the date of notification in the Official Gazette.
What is Dial-up and Leased Line Internet Access Service?
Dial-up and leased line internet access services were two of the earliest methods for connecting to the internet.
Dial-up: In the dial-up service, users connected to the internet via a telephone line. The modem in the user’s computer would dial a phone number to establish a connection with the Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, dial-up had limitations, including slow data transfer rates and tying up the phone line during internet usage.
Leased Line: Leased line internet access service provided dedicated, point-to-point connections between the user’s location and the ISP’s network. It offered higher data transfer rates compared to dial-up, making it suitable for businesses and enterprises requiring reliable and continuous internet connectivity.
How was Dial-up and Leased Line Internet Access Service Regulated and Why is it Now Outdated?
To ensure customer satisfaction and quality of service, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 (4 of 2001). The regulation set norms for network performance, which service providers were required to achieve by appropriately dimensioning their networks. It also established parameters to measure and compare the quality of service provided by different operators.
However, with technological advancements and the evolution of telecommunication networks, dial-up and leased line services have become outdated. Modern telecommunication technologies like xDSL, FTTH, LTE, and 5G offer high-speed broadband services, making dial-up’s slow data transfer rates obsolete. Additionally, leased line services have evolved into SLA-based services, rendering the earlier regulation on quality of service irrelevant as the SLA agreements already safeguard concerns regarding service quality.
What are SLA-Based Services?
SLA-based services refer to Service Level Agreement contracts between service providers and customers. These agreements define the level of service quality and performance standards that the provider must adhere to. SLAs typically include parameters such as uptime, response time, data transfer rates, and other service-related aspects. SLA-based services offer more flexibility and customization, allowing service providers and customers to negotiate specific terms to meet their requirements.
Current Challenges of the Telecom Sector in India
The telecom sector in India faces several challenges:
- Financial Stress: Intense competition and heavy debt burden have put financial stress on telecom companies.
- Quality of Service: Ensuring consistent and reliable quality of service remains a challenge, especially in densely populated areas.
- Spectrum Allocation: Spectrum allocation and pricing policies need continuous improvement to support the growth of telecom services.
- Digital Divide: Bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas is a significant challenge.
- Data Security and Privacy: With increasing digital transactions, ensuring data security and privacy is crucial.
What are the Repealing Regulations?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023 (02 of 2023) were issued by TRAI to repeal the Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 (4 of 2001). This older regulation, notified on December 10, 2001, applied to all Basic Service Operators and Internet Service Providers, including major operators like BSNL, MTNL, and VSNL. The primary objective of the repealed regulation was to ensure customer satisfaction by laying down norms of network performance for service providers to achieve through proper network dimensioning. It also aimed to measure the Quality of Service periodically and compare it with specified norms to monitor the performance levels of various service providers and protect the interests of internet service subscribers.
Evolution of Telecommunication Networks
The Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001, was issued at a time when dial-up services were the predominant means of accessing low-speed internet. However, with the passage of time, both wireline and wireless telecommunication networks have witnessed significant advancements, offering high-speed broadband services using technologies like xDSL, FTTH, LTE, and 5G. As a result, internet access has become faster and more efficient, rendering the old regulation outdated.
SLA-based Services and Safeguarding Concerns
With the evolution of telecommunication networks, leased line access services have also evolved. These services, generally offered by Internet Gateway Service Providers (IGSPs) to enterprises, are now Service Level Agreement (SLA) based. SLA-based services involve contractual agreements between the service provider and the customer, with specific provisions to safeguard concerns regarding service quality. This shift in the nature of services has made the Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001, no longer relevant, as the agreement between the contracting parties already addresses the aspect of service quality.
Stakeholder Engagement and Ease of Doing Business
TRAI recognized the changing landscape of the telecommunications industry and its impact on the relevance of older regulations. To ensure that the regulatory framework remains effective and adaptable, TRAI engaged stakeholders by issuing the draft Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023, on April 03, 2023. The stakeholders were invited to provide their feedback until April 17, 2023. Based on the valuable input received and with a focus on Ease of Doing Business, TRAI decided to proceed with the repeal of the Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 (4 of 2001), through the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023 (02 of 2023) as published in the Official Gazette.
In conclusion, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023, is a significant step taken by TRAI to address the changing landscape of telecommunications. The repeal of the outdated regulation on quality of service for dial-up and leased line internet access reflects the evolution of telecommunication networks and the adoption of SLA-based services. The engagement of stakeholders in the regulatory process emphasizes the importance of adapting regulations to meet the current needs of the industry. This move will not only streamline the regulatory framework but also contribute to the ease of doing business in the telecommunications sector in India.
Way Forward
To address the challenges and support growth in the telecom sector, several measures can be considered:
- Policy Reforms: The government should focus on policy reforms to promote healthy competition and encourage investment in the telecom industry.
- Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in telecom infrastructure, especially in rural areas, can help bridge the digital divide.
- Spectrum Management: Efficient spectrum allocation and management are essential for meeting the growing demand for data services.
- Data Protection: Implementing robust data protection measures and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations is crucial.
- Encouraging Innovation: Encouraging innovation and technological advancements in the telecom sector can drive growth and enhance services for consumers.
What is TRAI?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is an independent regulatory body established by the Government of India to regulate the telecommunications sector. It was formed under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
- Functions: TRAI’s primary functions include formulating regulations, recommendations, and guidelines to ensure fair competition, protect consumer interests, and promote efficient and economical telecommunications services.
- Composition: TRAI is composed of a Chairperson and up to two full-time members, appointed by the central government. Additionally, there can be up to two part-time members who are selected based on their expertise and experience in telecommunications.
- Ministry Regulation: TRAI is not a part of any ministry but operates as an autonomous body.
- Appellate Authority: TRAI serves as the appellate authority for disputes related to licenses and tariffs, among other issues.
TRAI plays a crucial role in shaping India’s telecommunications landscape, ensuring a level playing field, and promoting the growth of the sector while safeguarding consumer interests.
