Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Telecom Regulator Recommends Introduction of Virtual Network Operators in the Telecom Space

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ("TRAI") has issued its recommendations for introducing Virtual Network Operators ("VNOs") in the telecom sector vide press release no. 30/2015 dated May 1, 2015. Last year, the DoT, while exploring the possibility to permit entry to the VNOs, had sought the views of the TRAI.

The TRAI in its recommendations has proposed introduction of a licensing regime for the VNOs, allowing them to offer all segments of telecom services, including voice, data and video. The VNOs are service delivery operators that provide telecom services without owning spectrum or network infrastructure, but rely on the network and support of infrastructure providers.