TRAI has recommended a light-touch regulatory framework for application-based linear TV distribution serv ...More

TRAI has recommended a light-touch regulatory framework for application-based linear TV distribution services, proposing a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh, a processing fee of ₹10,000 and an initial authorisation valid for 20 years. ...Less

Bharti Airtel is the first telecom company to introduce voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans without mobile d ...More

Bharti Airtel is the first telecom company to introduce voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans without mobile data. These new offerings align with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's recent regulations aimed at reducing tariffs. The plans, priced at Rs 185, Rs 203, and Rs 206, provide unlimited calls and SMS with varying validity. This initiative targets customers who primarily utilize voice and messaging services, particularly feature phone users. ...Less

The Indian government has introduced new rules to facilitate the testing of telecommunication technologie ...More

The Indian government has introduced new rules to facilitate the testing of telecommunication technologies in controlled environments. These rules provide exemptions from certain regulatory requirements under existing laws aimed at fostering innovation. Regulatory sandboxes will allow for trial of new services under specified conditions before commercial deployment. The government will oversee eligibility criteria and risk management measures for participants. ...Less

Tejas Networks and C-DoT have confirmed that their equipment meets the quality benchmarks set by Trai. Bh ...More

Tejas Networks and C-DoT have confirmed that their equipment meets the quality benchmarks set by Trai. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd recently sought relaxed compliance timelines for new quality-of-service norms. The state-owned telecom operator cited challenges related to indigenous sourcing obligations in its request to Trai. Both Tejas Networks and C-DoT emphasized compliance with 3GPP standards in their responses. ...Less

GSMA emphasizes the need for unified regulations to effectively combat online scams and maintain public t ...More

GSMA emphasizes the need for unified regulations to effectively combat online scams and maintain public trust. Vivek Badrinath highlights that current regulations remain complex and suggest further simplification for growth. He advocates for an outcome-focused approach to enable the monetization of 5G technology. Badrinath also discusses the importance of network slicing and quality of service in enhancing business applications. ...Less

Jio Platforms is preparing for an IPO while developing its satellite venture to connect remote areas. Rel ...More

Jio Platforms is preparing for an IPO while developing its satellite venture to connect remote areas. Reliance Jio's ambitious plan involves deploying 1,600 low-Earth-orbit satellites and 23 ground stations across India. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel aims to compete with a satellite network of its own through partnerships. The regulatory environment remains complex as both companies navigate their plans amid recent developments. ...Less

India’s paid DTH television subscriber base fell 13.4% year-on-year to 48.56 million in June 2026, while ...More

India’s paid DTH television subscriber base fell 13.4% year-on-year to 48.56 million in June 2026, while private FM radio advertising revenue declined 9.1% sequentially to Rs 376.16 crore, according to TRAI. The data point to continued pressure on traditional broadcasting even as IPTV and community radio continue to expand. ...Less

The suspension of Broadcast Audience Research Council ratings has prompted new interest in RPD-based data ...More

The suspension of Broadcast Audience Research Council ratings has prompted new interest in RPD-based data collection for TV viewership. GTPL Hathway has started sharing data from connected set-top boxes to track channel viewing. While Tata Play has utilized RPD for internal purposes, concerns remain regarding its industry-wide credibility and sampling transparency. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has emphasized RPD's importance for future deployments by distribution platform operators. ...Less

TRAI has released a draft audit manual for DRM-based IPTV systems and is seeking stakeholder comments by ...More

TRAI has released a draft audit manual for DRM-based IPTV systems and is seeking stakeholder comments by October 30. The draft outlines procedures for auditing digital addressable systems, addressing gaps from an earlier manual. It specifies data reconciliation requirements between subscriber management and DRM systems to maintain accuracy. Monthly audits will be required for all IPTV operators as part of compliance measures. ...Less

The Department of Telecommunications mandates telecom operators to show KYC-registered names with incomin ...More

The Department of Telecommunications mandates telecom operators to show KYC-registered names with incoming calls from November 1. This initiative aims to reduce cyber fraud, phishing, and unwanted commercial calls. The amendment to Caller Line Identification will officially include Caller Name Identification for subscriber convenience. Trials and consultations informed the decision, involving both operators and civil society groups. ...Less

Trai has released a draft audit manual for digital rights management-based systems seeking industry feedb ...More

Trai has released a draft audit manual for digital rights management-based systems seeking industry feedback. The manual outlines procedures for audits of IPTV-based distribution systems, including subscriber management and encryption. Monthly reconciliation of data between subscriber management and DRM systems is required, with specific thresholds for discrepancies listed. Stakeholders have until October 30 to provide their comments on the draft. ...Less

The Department of Telecommunications in India has amended caller identification regulations for telecom s ...More

The Department of Telecommunications in India has amended caller identification regulations for telecom services. Caller IDs will now display the subscriber's registered name from November 1, 2026. This updated definition of Calling Line Identification includes the caller's name in telecom provider records. ...Less

Delhi Police successfully intervened to stop significant financial losses from digital arrest scams in va ...More

Delhi Police successfully intervened to stop significant financial losses from digital arrest scams in various states. The Financial Monitoring Cell traced suspicious transactions and contacted victims to prevent further payments. Several elderly people were targeted, with some initially transferring large sums of money out of fear. Intervention efforts included counseling and assisting victims in filing complaints with local cybercrime helplines. ...Less

Tata Play is launching the Tata Play Smart app, enabling access to over 500 live television channels. The ...More

Tata Play is launching the Tata Play Smart app, enabling access to over 500 live television channels. The app requires an internet connection and is compatible with various devices including smart TVs. Tata Play maintains that traditional DTH services will continue to exist alongside streaming services. The company aims to expand its user base by attracting households yet to subscribe to pay television. ...Less

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's technology-agnostic policy towards satel ...More

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's technology-agnostic policy towards satellite communications during a recent event. He noted that several companies, including Reliance Jio, OneWeb, and Starlink, received the necessary licenses. While SpaceX's Elon Musk called for quicker licensing for Starlink, the government emphasized its fair authorization framework. The final decision regarding spectrum pricing is forthcoming, which will impact when operators can launch services. ...Less

Bharti Airtel's Rahul Vatts stated that satcom players using mobile spectrum should follow telecom regula ...More

Bharti Airtel's Rahul Vatts stated that satcom players using mobile spectrum should follow telecom regulations. Currently, telecom operators acquire spectrum through auctions, while satcom players do not. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 allows administrative allocation of spectrum for satcom. Vatts emphasized compliance with existing legal precedents regarding spectrum allocation methods. This assertion aligns with the Supreme Court's directive on ensuring spectrum auctions for commercial use. ...Less

Telecom companies in India are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to detect and label potent ...More

Telecom companies in India are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to detect and label potential spam calls and messages. By analyzing calling trends, AI has already flagged billions of suspicious communications. Major players like Airtel and Vodafone Idea implement effective spam warnings for their users, while apps like Truecaller and Google’s Phone enhance caller identification capabilities. Meanwhile, TRAI mandates operators to responsibly investigate flagged spam incidents. ...Less

Elon Musk has publicly requested approval for Starlink to enter the Indian market, highlighting connectiv ...More

Elon Musk has publicly requested approval for Starlink to enter the Indian market, highlighting connectivity issues in rural areas. The Indian government has dismissed claims of bias against Starlink, stating a fair authorization framework exists. Musk has alleged that unnamed oligarchs are blocking Starlink's entry to the market. The company has spent five years complying with Indian regulations and adapting its operations. ...Less

Elon Musk on Wednesday alleged that Starlink’s entry into India is being “blocked” by certain oligarchs s ...More

Elon Musk on Wednesday alleged that Starlink’s entry into India is being “blocked” by certain oligarchs seeking to protect their “monopolistic chokehold” over Indian consumers. Without naming the individuals or companies, Musk accused them of preventing the satellite internet service from entering the Indian market and called it a “crime against the people of India”. ...Less

The Indian government rejected claims of bias in satellite communication approvals as “baseless and misco ...More

The Indian government rejected claims of bias in satellite communication approvals as “baseless and misconceived”, saying Starlink and other global operators face the same security vetting process. The response came after Elon Musk alleged Starlink’s India entry was being blocked by oligarchs protecting their “monopolistic chokehold”. ...Less

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk renewed his push for Starlink's entry into India, accusing Mukesh Ambani's supporter ...More

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk renewed his push for Starlink's entry into India, accusing Mukesh Ambani's supporters of hypocrisy and arguing that competition would expand consumer choice. Musk said Starlink would need affordable pricing to attract customers. The Centre said three operators, including Starlink, are awaiting regulatory clearances before commercial operations. ...Less

India's telecommunication sector has evolved from a sparse network of landlines to a robust mobile connec ...More

India's telecommunication sector has evolved from a sparse network of landlines to a robust mobile connectivity framework, embracing technologies like 2G, 3G, and 4G, culminating in the recent rollout of 5G. As the nation gears up for 6G, it aims to enhance the global digital landscape while improving the daily online experiences of its citizens. ...Less

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded to Elon Musk's allegations regarding Starlink's de ...More

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded to Elon Musk's allegations regarding Starlink's delayed launch in India. He emphasized that India does not permit monopolies in any sector and highlighted the government's clarity on satellite communication licenses. Scindia noted that all three licensed companies are at the same regulatory stage pending security clearances. ...Less

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has instructed telecom operators to clearly display recharge plans ...More

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has instructed telecom operators to clearly display recharge plans online. This directive follows subscriber complaints about the difficulty of finding these plans. Operators have 30 days to comply with the new regulations regarding mandatory packs. Subscribers will benefit from added transparency as plans will be more accessible for all users. ...Less

Telecom operators and consumer groups differed sharply over TRAI’s proposed rules for 5G network slicing, ...More

Telecom operators and consumer groups differed sharply over TRAI’s proposed rules for 5G network slicing, coverage map accuracy and service quality benchmarks. Airtel and Jio opposed the proposed 80% network resource utilisation threshold, while consumer groups backed it. Industry bodies also flagged net neutrality concerns and implementation challenges. ...Less

India’s wireless subscriber base rose by 5.5 million in August to 1.29 billion, with Reliance Jio and Bha ...More

India’s wireless subscriber base rose by 5.5 million in August to 1.29 billion, with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel accounting for more than 4.5 million additions, TRAI data showed. Urban subscriptions grew significantly faster than rural connections, while the overall telephone, broadband and wireline subscriber bases also expanded during the month. ...Less

Industry executives are calling for TRAI to reassess the New Tariff Order's impact on media regulations. ...More

Industry executives are calling for TRAI to reassess the New Tariff Order's impact on media regulations. They emphasize the need for lighter, principles-based regulations in response to the shift towards digital platforms. The television industry has seen improved revenues, yet there is a noted migration of viewers to OTT services. Regulators are encouraged to provide flexibility for companies to innovate product offerings. ...Less

Trai has tightened rules against spam calls, mandating telecom operators to act on callers flagged as sus ...More

Trai has tightened rules against spam calls, mandating telecom operators to act on callers flagged as suspected spammers by AI-based systems even without consumer complaints. Under the new rules, first-time violations can lead to a 15-day outgoing service ban, while repeat offenders may face disconnection of all telecom resources for a year and blacklisting. The rules also introduce changes to spam-call blocking preferences and A2P call charges. ...Less

MTNL shares rose sharply after the company’s board approved the sale of its Powai property in Mumbai to t ...More

MTNL shares rose sharply after the company’s board approved the sale of its Powai property in Mumbai to the Income Tax Department for Rs 891.53 crore. The asset monetisation comes as the debt-laden PSU seeks to reduce liabilities, which stood at around Rs 40,000 crore in FY26, according to the government. ...Less

Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd has paid a dividend of Rs 43.86 crore to the Government of India ...More

Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd has paid a dividend of Rs 43.86 crore to the Government of India. This payment follows an operating revenue of Rs 3,335 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 146 crore. Over five years, the company's revenue has significantly increased from Rs 1,596 crore in FY 2021-22 to Rs 3,442 crore in FY 2025-26. ...Less

India added 55 lakh mobile subscribers in August, according to data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority ...More

India added 55 lakh mobile subscribers in August, according to data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Reliance Jio continued to lead with 24 lakh new users, while Bharti Airtel gained 21 lakh and Vodafone Idea over 5 lakh. Jio holds a market share of 39.31%, followed by Airtel with 38.01%. The growth in urban subscriptions increased by 0.70% from July to August this year. ...Less

Delhi's 5G network faces significant indoor connectivity challenges affecting residents’ ability to make ...More

Delhi's 5G network faces significant indoor connectivity challenges affecting residents’ ability to make calls and use digital services. Users report weak signals in crowded markets, residential complexes, and hospitals, often relying on Wi-Fi. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India highlights delays in infrastructure upgrades and poor coverage as key issues. Many residents have resorted to Wi-Fi calling due to these persistent connectivity problems. ...Less

India's ₹60,000-crore television broadcasting industry is experiencing regulatory uncertainty due to shif ...More

India's ₹60,000-crore television broadcasting industry is experiencing regulatory uncertainty due to shifting consumer preferences. Traditional television is losing customers to OTT platforms, forcing broadcasters to seek more commercial flexibility. The decline in active pay-DTH subscribers has raised concerns about revenue and employment in the sector. Key decisions awaited from regulatory bodies include tariff forbearance and renewal of licenses. ...Less

Reliance Jio added the most mobile subscribers in India in August at 2.40 million, followed by Bharti Air ...More

Reliance Jio added the most mobile subscribers in India in August at 2.40 million, followed by Bharti Airtel with 2.11 million, Trai data showed. Vodafone Idea added 506,139 users, extending its subscriber growth streak since February. India’s wireless subscriber base rose 5.51 million to 1.293 billion during August. ...Less

TRAI has launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform, allowing consumers to check and compare ...More

TRAI has launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform, allowing consumers to check and compare the digital connectivity of properties before buying or leasing them. ...Less

Jio celebrates its decade-long journey of connectivity in India with a new offer for JioBharat phones. Th ...More

Jio celebrates its decade-long journey of connectivity in India with a new offer for JioBharat phones. The Anniversary Offer aims to facilitate the transition of feature phone users from 2G to 4G. Eligible JioBharat 4G devices will be available with six months of complimentary connectivity benefits. ...Less

TRAI has mandated telecom operators to offer more voice and SMS-only recharge options. These new rules ai ...More

TRAI has mandated telecom operators to offer more voice and SMS-only recharge options. These new rules aim to provide affordable choices for consumers who do not need data. Operators must now provide voice and SMS-only vouchers for various validity periods. This amendment follows TRAI's consultation process and stakeholder feedback. The move allows consumers greater flexibility in selecting recharge plans based on their needs. ...Less

Telecom regulator TRAI mandates affordable voice and SMS-only plans for consumers. Operators must offer s ...More

Telecom regulator TRAI mandates affordable voice and SMS-only plans for consumers. Operators must offer special tariff vouchers with various validity periods. This decision follows opposition from major telecom service providers like Jio and Airtel. Consumer groups argued that existing plans force users to pay for unused data. The new regulations aim to benefit millions of feature phone users across India. ...Less

The government has notified the dissolution of the Digital Communications Commission, the Department of T ...More

The government has notified the dissolution of the Digital Communications Commission, the Department of Telecommunications' apex decision-making body established in 1989. The commission handled key telecom policy and financial matters, including spectrum pricing and Trai recommendations. Its last meeting on September 3 finalised the satcom spectrum decision, which now awaits Cabinet approval. ...Less

Trai mandates telecom operators to use AI and machine learning for spam detection. A termination charge o ...More

Trai mandates telecom operators to use AI and machine learning for spam detection. A termination charge of ₹0.05 per minute is introduced for automated robocalls. Entities using application-to-person calls must pre-declare their usage with providers. Telecom operators must deploy AI/ML systems to detect and share spam intelligence. A consumer appeals mechanism and graded actions for violations are also introduced. ...Less

Indian broadcasters have called for the immediate restoration of BARC television ratings, saying the prol ...More

Indian broadcasters have called for the immediate restoration of BARC television ratings, saying the prolonged suspension has affected advertiser confidence, revenue visibility and festive-season media planning. ...Less

India's telecom regulator has strengthened anti-spam rules significantly. New regulations now include AI ...More

India's telecom regulator has strengthened anti-spam rules significantly. New regulations now include AI detection for suspected spam numbers. Automated and robocalls face extended regulatory oversight and new deterrents. Call management apps must share spam data with telcos to offer reporting. Consumers retain the freedom to block or filter calls on their devices. ...Less

India's television distribution industry is moving towards app-based delivery amid changing consumer pref ...More

India's television distribution industry is moving towards app-based delivery amid changing consumer preferences and connected TV growth. Several companies are launching linear TV streaming services through apps on connected devices, which could reduce costs. Linear pay TV is losing subscribers while free TV and connected TV are gaining significantly. This shift is seen as an opportunity to reach urban consumers and combine live television with streaming content. ...Less

India is set to enhance connectivity in its challenging and remote areas through satellite communications ...More

India is set to enhance connectivity in its challenging and remote areas through satellite communications. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised the government on allocating spectrum for broadband services. Companies like Starlink and OneWeb are waiting for essential approvals. TRAI has proposed a spectrum charge of four percent of annual revenues while advocating for subsidies on user terminals to encourage rural adoption. ...Less

TRAI will examine complaints from Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio over Vodafone Idea’s alleged offers aime ...More

TRAI will examine complaints from Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio over Vodafone Idea’s alleged offers aimed at getting customers to port to its network. Vi said it believes in fair competition and conducts its business in compliance with the law. ...Less

Rural India's telecom landscape shifted from voice to data over a decade. Wireless connections grew signi ...More

Rural India's telecom landscape shifted from voice to data over a decade. Wireless connections grew significantly, replacing declining wireline services across the nation. Telecom operators now focus on connection quality and user experience for rural consumers. Reliable electricity remains a critical challenge for last-mile network expansion. The focus has moved from basic access to digital productivity and economic growth. ...Less

Telecom regulator TRAI will soon introduce new rules for AI business calls. Businesses using automated sy ...More

Telecom regulator TRAI will soon introduce new rules for AI business calls. Businesses using automated systems must declare these calls to their service providers. This will help operators identify legitimate automated traffic on their networks. Registered telemarketers must use allocated numbering series for commercial communications. Any misuse of numbers will invite penal action from authorities. ...Less

Addressing CO.AI 2026 in New Delhi, Lahoti said AI should expand human potential, empower human choice an ...More

Addressing CO.AI 2026 in New Delhi, Lahoti said AI should expand human potential, empower human choice and protect human dignity, stressing that the technology is more than just another network generation or application layer. ...Less

Artificial intelligence can enhance India's telecom network autonomy and efficiency. Increased automation ...More

Artificial intelligence can enhance India's telecom network autonomy and efficiency. Increased automation must not compromise accountability and human oversight in operations. India possesses significant digital population and market strengths for AI integration. Telecom operators should invest in responsible AI and maintain human supervision. ...Less

TRAI has repealed its regulation capping television advertisements at twelve minutes per clock hour. This ...More

TRAI has repealed its regulation capping television advertisements at twelve minutes per clock hour. This action follows the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's decision to remove the existing ceiling. The regulator's move aligns with the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, after a key rule was omitted. The Delhi High Court had previously upheld the twelve-minute ad cap as constitutionally valid. ...Less

COAI and the British High Commission signed a pact for AI and digital trust. This collaboration aims to s ...More

COAI and the British High Commission signed a pact for AI and digital trust. This collaboration aims to strengthen responsible technology-led innovation and connectivity. Senior representatives discussed Artificial Intelligence's role in future digital infrastructure. Governments must ensure innovation progresses alongside security and accountability. This MoU reflects the importance of trusted international collaboration for digital connectivity. ...Less

The Digital Communications Commission approved most Trai recommendations for satellite spectrum. Starlink ...More

The Digital Communications Commission approved most Trai recommendations for satellite spectrum. Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio Satellite Communications received permission for satcom services. The Department of Telecom will seek Cabinet approval for pricing and allocation. Trai recommended a five-year satellite broadband spectrum allotment with extensions. The regulator also favored subsidies for user terminals in remote rural areas. ...Less

DTH operators have provisioned over eleven thousand crore rupees against disputed licence fee liabilities ...More

DTH operators have provisioned over eleven thousand crore rupees against disputed licence fee liabilities. This industry awaits a government decision on reducing the current eight percent licence fee. Operators face significant subscriber losses and declining revenues due to market shifts. They are now expanding into IPTV, broadband, and OTT aggregation services. The licence fee dispute remains sub judice before various legal tribunals and courts. ...Less

At the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, PhonePe announced UPI 123Pay support for its app on feature ph ...More

At the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, PhonePe announced UPI 123Pay support for its app on feature phones, taking the SMS-based, internet-free payments stack pre-loaded on HMD, Nokia, Lava and itel handsets to 200 million-plus Indians still on basic phones. ...Less

Telecom operators oppose Trai's draft quality of service norms for 5G network slicing. They argue propose ...More

Telecom operators oppose Trai's draft quality of service norms for 5G network slicing. They argue proposed resource utilization benchmarks should be entirely dropped by the regulator. Public advocacy groups, however, believe these benchmarks can be retained as safeguards. Operators state that actual customer impact is captured via speed and throughput metrics. They believe rigid cell-level thresholds create artificial network constraints and misallocate capital. ...Less

GTPL Hathway has unexpectedly outperformed Tata Play in revenue in India's television distribution sector ...More

GTPL Hathway has unexpectedly outperformed Tata Play in revenue in India's television distribution sector, even though it maintains a smaller active cable subscriber base. Both segments, cable and DTH, are facing challenges due to the growing popularity of streaming platforms. GTPL's expansion efforts include launching a new HITS service and making strategic acquisitions, while the DTH market continues to decline in active pay-TV subscriptions. ...Less

The revised draft rules for television, radio and associated services address some industry concerns but ...More

The revised draft rules for television, radio and associated services address some industry concerns but leave questions over OTT, FAST and open-internet services unresolved, media executives said. Broadcasters are also examining penalties, authorisation renewal provisions and requirements for temporary live sports uplinking. The ministry has invited comments by October 2. ...Less

A forthcoming inter-ministerial panel meeting will address the fees and allocation frameworks for satelli ...More

A forthcoming inter-ministerial panel meeting will address the fees and allocation frameworks for satellite spectrum. It is anticipated that the digital communications commission will ratify a fee structure of five percent of adjusted gross revenue, with incentives for companies serving underprivileged rural zones. This crucial decision aims to facilitate new entrants, including Starlink, into the Indian broadband landscape. ...Less

Field trials for India's Public Protection and Disaster Relief network will begin in October. This networ ...More

Field trials for India's Public Protection and Disaster Relief network will begin in October. This network aims to ensure communication continuity for government agencies during disasters. The operational model for this critical communication system will be finalized this month. Satellite communication integration is also being discussed for enhanced disaster response capabilities. This advanced network will support voice, live images, videos, and text for public safety. ...Less

Bharti Airtel led mobile subscriber additions in July, adding 26.88 lakh users. Reliance Jio followed, ad ...More

Bharti Airtel led mobile subscriber additions in July, adding 26.88 lakh users. Reliance Jio followed, adding 24.46 lakh users during the same period. Vodafone Idea and BSNL also saw subscriber base increases. India's overall wireless subscriber base grew to 128.79 crore in July. The broadband subscriber base also experienced a monthly growth of 0.64 percent. ...Less

Private players are driving significant activity across India's space sector. The nation aims to increase ...More

Private players are driving significant activity across India's space sector. The nation aims to increase its global space economy share significantly. Several private companies have successfully launched rockets and satellites. Applications in agriculture and disaster management offer global service opportunities. A dedicated Space Act is still needed to address regulatory matters. ...Less

India’s television broadcasting industry is undergoing a structural reset as 114 channel licences were su ...More

India’s television broadcasting industry is undergoing a structural reset as 114 channel licences were surrendered between 2022 and 2026 amid weakening advertising, declining pay-TV homes and audiences shifting to OTT, connected TV and short-form video. Broadcasters including JioStar, Zee Entertainment, NDTV and B4U Networks are rationalising portfolios as industry economics come under pressure. ...Less

India's total telephone subscriber base rose by 6.20 million in July 2026 to 1.35 billion, registering a ...More

India's total telephone subscriber base rose by 6.20 million in July 2026 to 1.35 billion, registering a monthly growth of 0.46 per cent, as both wireless and wireline connections expanded, according to data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday. The wireless subscriber base grew 0.46 per cent to 1.31 billion, while wireline connections increased 0.39 per cent to 48.01 million. ...Less

Reliance Jio’s proposed Rs 37,700-crore IPO has received Sebi approval, bringing the much-awaited listing ...More

Reliance Jio’s proposed Rs 37,700-crore IPO has received Sebi approval, bringing the much-awaited listing closer. While the offering could value Jio Platforms at nearly Rs 9.5 lakh crore, its DRHP flags several risks, including spectrum challenges, intense competition, high capital expenditure, vendor dependence, infrastructure concentration and cybersecurity threats. ...Less

Starlink seeks India's approval for its advanced satellite services. The company needs landing rights and ...More

Starlink seeks India's approval for its advanced satellite services. The company needs landing rights and spectrum assignment for its new technology. India has allowed current services but not the Satcom 2.0 proposal yet. Regulatory issues and spectrum assignment remain key challenges for Starlink. Clearances are essential before satcom can bridge India's digital divide. ...Less

TRAI mandates a new 1601 number series for transactional calls by other sectors. This initiative aims to ...More

TRAI mandates a new 1601 number series for transactional calls by other sectors. This initiative aims to separate these calls from sensitive BFSI and government communications. Utilities, courier, and logistics firms will initially adopt the dedicated 1601 number series. This move will help combat impersonation by fraudsters using regular ten-digit numbers. Telecom operators must complete onboarding eligible entities within ninety days. ...Less

Telecom operators flagged 24.4 billion calls and messages as suspected spam during April-June. AI systems ...More

Telecom operators flagged 24.4 billion calls and messages as suspected spam during April-June. AI systems identified 22.9 billion calls and 1.4 billion SMSes as unsolicited communications. Consumer complaints rose significantly, with 10.8 lakh received during the quarter. Most complaints were filed through the Do Not Disturb app. ...Less

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has rolled out a new numbering system with the 1601 series, aim ...More

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has rolled out a new numbering system with the 1601 series, aimed at service and transactional calls from utility companies. This initiative also includes courier and logistics services, ensuring these communications are distinct from other sectors. The goal is to safeguard essential financial and governmental transactions, while the 1600 series will still be designated for BFSI and government communications. ...Less

TRAI reported 13.16 billion promotional calls originated via the 140 series. About 1.48 billion promotion ...More

TRAI reported 13.16 billion promotional calls originated via the 140 series. About 1.48 billion promotional calls were blocked after verification. Commercial SMS reached 248.06 billion, with 7.30 billion promotional SMS blocked. AI spam detection flagged 24.43 billion suspected calls and SMS. Action was taken against 183,000 telecom resources and 263 senders. ...Less

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) took action against 1.83 lakh telecom resources and blac ...More

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) took action against 1.83 lakh telecom resources and blacklisted 263 senders during the first quarter of FY 2026-27 as part of its efforts to curb unsolicited commercial communications (UCC), according to the regulator's quarterly highlights released on Tuesday. ...Less

Telecom regulator TRAI has launched an improved MyCall mobile application. This app allows users to repor ...More

Telecom regulator TRAI has launched an improved MyCall mobile application. This app allows users to report voice calling experience issues directly. Consumers can now easily flag problems like call drops and poor audio quality. The voluntary application aims to enhance overall telecom service quality. Data shared will help service providers optimize network performance. ...Less

Trai has unveiled a set of new quality of service guidelines for 5G network slicing aimed at safeguarding ...More

Trai has unveiled a set of new quality of service guidelines for 5G network slicing aimed at safeguarding subscribers from service deterioration. Telecom operators are now permitted to implement distinct pricing for 4G and 5G offerings. Every network slice will be considered an independent tariff category, with a mandate for operators to reveal the measured speeds associated with each network slice. ...Less

Telecom regulator Trai has proposed new quality of service norms for mobile network slicing. These draft ...More

Telecom regulator Trai has proposed new quality of service norms for mobile network slicing. These draft rules will allow telecom operators to charge different rates for various services. Network slicing will only be permitted when operators possess sufficient spectrum capacity. Trai also mandates that tariff offerings must have measurable download and upload speeds. Comments on these proposed changes are due by August 26. ...Less

India's Telecom Department has asked TRAI to review net neutrality rules. This review considers emerging ...More

India's Telecom Department has asked TRAI to review net neutrality rules. This review considers emerging technologies like 5G network slicing and differentiated services. TRAI's 2017 recommendations need updating due to significant market and technological transformations. The department aims to protect consumers and ensure orderly growth of services. This ensures fairness, transparency, and non-discriminatory treatment for all internet traffic. ...Less

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has lifted the long-standing cap on television advertisement durat ...More

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has lifted the long-standing cap on television advertisement durations, enhancing competition and streamlining business operations. Previously, channels were bound to a limit of twelve minutes of ads per hour. This notable change reflects the broadcasting sector's growth and digital evolution, while also affecting ongoing legal matters and industry standards related to advertising. ...Less

Grievances against pesky calls and messages have risen significantly since 2022. Most complaints are file ...More

Grievances against pesky calls and messages have risen significantly since 2022. Most complaints are filed against unregistered telemarketers, data shows. Telecom connections of pesky callers were disconnected, but numbers fell recently. Action on sponsoring entities has seen a continuous rise in blacklisting. Registered telemarketers also faced blacklisting actions by authorities. ...Less

Starlink has reapplied to India’s space regulator for approval of its Gen 2 satellite constellation, seek ...More

Starlink has reapplied to India’s space regulator for approval of its Gen 2 satellite constellation, seeking authorisation for nearly 30,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. The application includes newer capabilities such as direct-to-device connectivity, as India considers expanding satcom spectrum access and finalising rules for satellite-based mobile services. ...Less

TRAI objects to Truecaller's 'frequently blocked' badge on regulated numbers. The regulator prefers users ...More

TRAI objects to Truecaller's 'frequently blocked' badge on regulated numbers. The regulator prefers users utilize the DND app for managing unwanted communications. TRAI mandates specific number series for service and promotional calls by registered entities. Truecaller claims its tags are community-driven and comply with regulations. The regulator asserts the DND framework effectively addresses unsolicited marketing calls. ...Less

Satellite communication services present a Rs 1 lakh crore digital connectivity opportunity in India. Man ...More

Satellite communication services present a Rs 1 lakh crore digital connectivity opportunity in India. Many rural Indians remain unconnected to broadband, which satcom can address. Modernizing agriculture and improving yields can be achieved through satcom-enabled IoT solutions. Integrated communication systems will combine fiber, mobile, Wi-Fi, and satellite technologies. The government is facilitating satellite broadband deployment for underserved areas. ...Less

The Supreme Court directed JioStar India Pvt Ltd to approach the Delhi High Court. JioStar challenged par ...More

The Supreme Court directed JioStar India Pvt Ltd to approach the Delhi High Court. JioStar challenged parts of TRAI's regulatory framework on television channel pricing. The broadcaster argued regulations and tariff orders were interconnected and linked. The court disposed of JioStar's transfer petition filed earlier. JioStar will now move the high court with its pending plea. ...Less

Government officials say the regulator is concerned about some clauses in the draft bill, including the o ...More

Government officials say the regulator is concerned about some clauses in the draft bill, including the ones that seek to give the DoT overriding powers on issues relating to tariffs and quality of service. Currently, these issues fall within Trai's purview. ...Less

The CBI has rejected telecom regulator Trai's report that it did not recommend auction of 2G air waves or ...More

The CBI has rejected telecom regulator Trai's report that it did not recommend auction of 2G air waves or an increase in entry fees implying no loss of revenue. ...Less

Experts at Trai are studying these issues with a view to create a level playing field among various servi ...More

Experts at Trai are studying these issues with a view to create a level playing field among various service provisioning mechanisms, he said. "Our objective will be to introduce a light-touch framework that irons out the inconsistencies created by technological disruptions," he said. ...Less

Trai officials said they will write to Department of Telecom for amending the Trai Act to give it powers ...More

Trai officials said they will write to Department of Telecom for amending the Trai Act to give it powers to impose penalty on telecom operators. ...Less

TRAI is unhappy at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's statement on postponement of digitalisatio ...More

TRAI is unhappy at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's statement on postponement of digitalisation of cable TV services in metros from July to November. ...Less

Trai clarified that tagging and blocking calls from 1600 and 140 series numbers is not allowed. Subscribe ...More

Trai clarified that tagging and blocking calls from 1600 and 140 series numbers is not allowed. Subscribers can manage promotional calls from registered telemarketers using the Do Not Disturb registry. The 1600 series numbers are designated for service and transactional calls by financial sector entities. This clarification follows Truecaller's statement about not marking such calls as spam. Spam calls from these number series have reportedly surged significantly. ...Less

The new entrant in the telecom sector, RJIO, said the two orders of TRAI have been challenged by Idea and ...More

The new entrant in the telecom sector, RJIO, said the two orders of TRAI have been challenged by Idea and Airtel before the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). ...Less

In the amended rules, announced after three-and-a-half months of consultation, the Trai has reduced the c ...More

In the amended rules, announced after three-and-a-half months of consultation, the Trai has reduced the cap on MRP of TV channels that are part of a bouquet by 37% to Rs 12 from Rs 19. It has also brought back the analogue-era ‘twin conditions’, which limit broadcasters from offering more than 33% discounts on channel bouquets. ...Less

Broadcast tribunal TDSAT today said TRAI may bring a new regulation or amend the existing one within thre ...More

Broadcast tribunal TDSAT today said TRAI may bring a new regulation or amend the existing one within three months on regulating advertisement time in TV channels. ...Less

All policy recommendations by Trai will mandatorily have to be referred to the Telecom Commission to ensu ...More

All policy recommendations by Trai will mandatorily have to be referred to the Telecom Commission to ensure a swift and “decisive government response". ...Less

"In the light of the...historical background, what is now sought by TRAI to ensure adherence to the regul ...More

"In the light of the...historical background, what is now sought by TRAI to ensure adherence to the regulatory principles of transparency, non--discrimination and non--predation, cannot be said, at least prima facie to be either illegal or wholly unjustified. ...Less

The communications ministry plans to grant more powers to the Trai that will enable the watchdog to act l ...More

The communications ministry plans to grant more powers to the Trai that will enable the watchdog to act like a civil court. ...Less

Telecom regulator Trai stated no app can block calls from 1600 number series. Promotional calls from 140 ...More

Telecom regulator Trai stated no app can block calls from 1600 number series. Promotional calls from 140 number series also cannot be filtered by apps. These calls can only be blocked through the regulator's Do Not Disturb registry. This clarification means users cannot tag these specific calls as spam. Customers can register their preferences on the DND registry for blocking. ...Less

The draft JPC report on 2G scam has said that TRAI recommendations need to be accorded due weightage by t ...More

The draft JPC report on 2G scam has said that TRAI recommendations need to be accorded due weightage by the government. ...Less

Truecaller's CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala views TRAI's expanded jurisdiction as an encroachment on the IT Mini ...More

Truecaller's CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala views TRAI's expanded jurisdiction as an encroachment on the IT Ministry's regulatory authority. He argues that compelling IT intermediaries to dictate user information infringes upon existing frameworks. This regulatory dispute centers on the labelling of calls from specific number series. Truecaller maintains that spammers exploit these numbers, violating TRAI's directives. The company advocates for collaborative solutions to enhance consumer protection and transparency. ...Less

Trai’s meeting will explore a multi-pronged approach to address the problem through technical solutions, ...More

Trai’s meeting will explore a multi-pronged approach to address the problem through technical solutions, regulations, directions and close monitoring. In late-February, Vaghela had chaired a meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCOR) to implement UCC detect solutions to counter the menace. ...Less

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had earlier invited applications for the Trai top job on June ...More

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had earlier invited applications for the Trai top job on June 22 this year. “The last date of submission of applications is December 22 by 5:30 pm. Those who have applied against the earlier advertisement issued on June 22 need not apply fresh,” DoT said in a notification Friday. ...Less

Trai on Tuesday made a series of email exchanges with Facebook public on its website, in which it has cal ...More

Trai on Tuesday made a series of email exchanges with Facebook public on its website, in which it has called Facebook's Save Free basics campaign "crudely majoritarian and orchestrated opinion poll. ...Less

DTH operators may offer additional schemes including bundled schemes and rental schemes, TRAI said. ...More

DTH operators may offer additional schemes including bundled schemes and rental schemes, TRAI said. ...Less