TRAI Advocates for Enhanced Telecom Infrastructure Sharing Among Licensees

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the efficiency and coverage of telecom services in India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has put forward a series of recommendations that could transform the landscape of infrastructure sharing among telecom service providers. On Wednesday, TRAI proposed that telecom service licensees be permitted to share both passive and active infrastructure elements with other telecommunication service licensees, broadening the scope for collaboration within the industry.

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Currently, the sharing of spectrum trading and intra-band spectrum is allowed, but TRAI's latest recommendations suggest a more inclusive approach. The regulator advocates for the sharing of passive infrastructure, such as buildings, towers, electrical equipment including batteries and power plants, dark fibre, duct space, and Right of Way. These facilities, owned and operated under respective licenses, should be accessible for sharing across all types of telecommunication service licensees.

Moreover, TRAI emphasizes the potential benefits of these recommendations, highlighting that they would lead to greater cost efficiencies for telecom service providers. This could also result in improved time to market, better quality of service, and wider coverage for consumers. The move is seen as a step towards more efficient utilisation of the scarce spectrum resources available in the country.

Spectrum Sharing and Leasing

Another groundbreaking aspect of TRAI's recommendations is the introduction of spectrum leasing and inter-band spectrum sharing. This would allow telecommunication service licensees to share active infrastructure elements they own and operate with others as per their service scope. Such measures are expected to optimize the use of spectrum and enhance service delivery to end-users.

Universal Service Obligation Fund Projects

TRAI also addressed the sharing of infrastructure under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) projects. It suggested that agreements for future USOF projects should mandate the sharing of passive infrastructure with at least two other telecom service providers on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis. This recommendation aims to extend telecom coverage benefits in underserved areas through effective utilization of government-funded infrastructure.

In addition to these measures, TRAI proposed that telecom service providers operating in remote areas with government funding should allow roaming on their network to other telecom service providers for an initial period of three years. This initiative is designed to improve connectivity in India's far-flung regions.

Exploring New Spectrum Sharing Techniques

The regulator has also suggested that the Department of Telecom (DoT) explore the possibility of implementing authorised shared access (ASA) technique-based spectrum sharing in India. This would enable spectrum assigned to government agencies or other entities in globally harmonised bands for IMT services to be used by access service providers as secondary users. Furthermore, TRAI recommends that leasing of access spectrum among access service providers should be allowed.

These comprehensive recommendations by TRAI mark a significant step towards enhancing the collaboration among telecom service providers in India. By allowing broader infrastructure sharing and introducing new spectrum sharing mechanisms, TRAI aims to boost the telecom sector's efficiency and reach, ultimately benefiting consumers across the country.