The Authorisation Regime: TRAI Releases Recommendations On Network Authorisations Under The Telecommunications Act 2023

Introduction

Earlier this year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued "Recommendations on the Framework for Network Authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023" (Recommendations). Although several months have elapsed since the release of the Recommendations, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has not indicated its views on the Recommendations, and the sector awaits clarity on what the regime will look like under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (Act).

Under the Act, an 'authorisation' is required among other things to 'establish, operate, maintain or expand a telecommunication network' and possess radio equipment. The Act defines 'telecommunication network' as a system or series of systems of telecommunication equipment or infrastructure, including terrestrial or satellite or submarine networks, or any combination thereof, used or intended to be used for providing telecommunication services. While the Act preserves