Telecom News
Jio cements rural dominance in July; JioBharat likely adding to growth, analysts say
Reliance Jio continues to dominate rural India as the only telecom operator to gain mobile users in July, while Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea lost customers. This can be attributed to Jio's budget feature phone, JioBharat, which appeals to entry-level mobile users. Jio added 2 million rural mobile users, bringing its total to 194.73 million, while Airtel and Vi's user bases declined.
Airtel says got 50 mn 5G customers in just one year
Bharti Airtel has announced that it has acquired 50 million unique 5G customers in India within a year of launching its next-generation services. The company stated that its Airtel 5G Plus services are now available in all districts across the country. Airtel aims to provide 5G coverage in every town and key rural area by September 2023.
The talking point: Mobile number portability
The LocalCircles survey also said that the recent amendments to the MNP process as mandated by the telecom regulator will make the process more difficult unless the process is streamlined for customer ease.
Trai imposes over Rs 1 cr penalty on Voda Idea for failure to curb pesky calls, SMS
"Failure to curb the Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC) sent through the Company's network for the complaints as required under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018, for the quarter ended December 2021. The Company is reviewing the Order and evaluating the next steps in this matter," VIL filing said.
Trai seeks views on policy framework for economic development driven by 5G ecosystem
The regulator said that in the case of the metaverse, these problems are likely to get significantly worse because the technology will not just track where users click, but where they go, who they are with, what they do, what they look at, even how long their gaze lingers. In the consultation paper, Trai has sought views on the need to develop a regulatory framework for the responsible development and use of Metaverse.
Cloud services: Trai rejects DoT's view on MeitY's jurisdiction
Trai has stuck to its earlier position that cloud infrastructure/services can’t be separated from telecom infrastructure/services from a regulatory perspective, and that in an age of convergence, regulatory interventions must happen as and when required in the case of cloud services to protect customer interests.
Govt may let satcom companies provide wireless service
The move to grant mobility services authorisation to Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) licence holders will potentially pave the way for companies such as Elon Musk-owned Starlink - which has applied for the licence - to compete with mobile service providers, experts said. An inter-ministerial panel involving the ministries of defence and home affairs, departments of telecommunications and space, and the cabinet secretariat will decide on the matter after security clearance, officials aware of the details told ET.
Eutelsat & OneWeb merge to create world's first GEO-LEO satellite space connectivity company
Satellite operator Eutelsat Communications has completed its merger with OneWeb, creating the Eutelsat Group. The new entity aims to transform space communications and address the growing connectivity market. The merged company will be headquartered in Paris, with Bharti Enterprises as its largest shareholder.
Trai asks for views on use of terahertz band
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is seeking stakeholder views on allowing license-exempt operations in the Terahertz band (above 95 GHz). Trai has asked for industry opinions on opening the frequency spectrum between 95 GHz to 3 THz for equipment experimentation and demonstration through a separate experimental license.
Trai seeks views on improving inbuilding mobile coverage
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is seeking industry feedback on a rating framework for digital connectivity in buildings or areas, with the aim of improving mobile coverage inside premises. Trai is asking stakeholders for their opinions on rating criteria, eligibility conditions, and the process of ascertaining ratings. Despite the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, digital connectivity inside buildings remains an issue that requires a new regulatory approach, according to Trai.
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Government introduces key amendments to cable TV network rules
According to the press release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, MSOs are now required to apply for registration or the renewal of registration online, utilizing the Broadcast Seva Portal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This move towards digital processes aligns with the government's commitment to facilitating business operations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
No new recommendations for spectrum pricing: Trai to DoT
Frequencies in the 37 GHz band, ranging from 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz and 42.5-43.5 GHz, were added for the upcoming sale. But apart from the 37 GHz band, all the spectrum was put on sale last year, and though the government netted a record ₹1,50,173 crore from the auction, a lot of spectrum remained unsold. All that quantum of spectrum is being put on sale again.
Space, new tech key challenges facing the telecom sector now, says TRAI Chairman
One challenge is with regard to space; space spectrum, how it should be allocated and how investors can be brought into the Indian space sector. The second challenge, which is important, is how do you handle the new technologies? What kind of ecosystem you prepare for technologies like AI, AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) and machine-to-machine communications.
Jio snaps up most Voda-Idea uers in July as Airtel lags
Latest data collated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) showed Jio added 3.9 million mobile users in July while Airtel reported 1.51 million additions, partly weighed down by sharp tariff hikes taken in its base prepaid rates. Cash-strapped Vi lost 1.32 million customers, shrinking its mobile user base to 228.33 million as of end-July.
Jio outpaces Airtel in subscriber additions in July 2023, Vodafone Idea loses ground
Reliance Jio gained significantly more mobile users than Bharti Airtel in July 2023, potentially due to capturing customers from Vodafone Idea and stronger growth in rural areas. According to data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Jio added 3.9 million users, Airtel added 1.51 million, and Vodafone Idea lost 1.32 million. Jio's user base reached 442.48 million, Airtel's reached 375.24 million, and Vi's fell to 228.33 million.
India 6G vision gets global play with acceptance by ITU Study Group
In the previous meeting of Study group Indian delegation succeeded in the inclusion of 6G ubiquitous connectivity into the IMT2030 framework as a usage scenario, enabling high-speed broadband internet for all, including both urban and rural populations for mitigating the digital divide and creating equal opportunities for all through mobile technologies.
