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ARTICLE · 18 NOVEMBER 2024

Trai's New Recommendations Provide Flexibility To Vnos

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On 13 September 2024, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued its Recommendations on the Connectivity to Access Service Virtual Network Operators (VNOs)...

IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Harsh Walia
Harsh Walia
Shobhit Chandra
Shobhit Chandra
Vanshika Lal
Vanshika Lal
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On 13 September 2024, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued its Recommendations on the Connectivity to Access Service Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) from more than one Network Service Operator (NSO) (Recommendations).

Background

The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India (DoT) via the National Telecom Policy 2012 envisioned to facilitate resale of telecom services at the service level, both wholesale and retail by introduction of VNOs. This was intended to enhance service quality, optimize investments, and address the digital divide. In 2015, TRAI made its first significant recommendations for the introduction of VNOs, advocating for them as facilitators of service delivery rather than direct competitors to NSOs. VNOs were seen as crucial in providing last-mile connectivity and offering services to consumers without threatening NSOs' market position.

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