PresentationByR K Arnold I.T.S.
Secretary, TRAIwww.trai.gov.in
TDSAT Seminar, Chennaion
Dispute Resolution in Telecom
TRAI’s MissionMission: TRAI’s mission is to create and nurture conditions
for the growth of telecommunications including broadcasting and cable services in the country in a manner and at a pace which will enable India to play a leading role in the emerging global information society
TRAITariffQuality of ServiceInterconnection
Telecom Regulation in India
GovernmentSpectrumLicenseContent
TRAI’s Power & FunctionsRecommendatory
Licensing related issues Measures to facilitate competition and growth Issues related to technology & Efficient management of
available SpectrumRegulatory Functions
Interconnection Tariff Fixation of the Services Quality of Service Ensure compliance of license conditions and effective
compliance of USO Issue Directions to the Service Providers on matters relating to
its Regulatory Functions
Regulatory Process (Adopted by TRAI) Section 11(4) of the TRAI Act mandates TARI to ensure
transparency in Discharge of its FunctionsTo Ensure Transparency TRAI adopts the following process
before taking any regulatory decisions: Consultation Paper is issued soliciting comments from
stakeholders The Comments of the stake holders are published on
the website Stake holders are invited in the Open House Discussions
(OHDs) organized in different parts of the country. The issue is discussed in detail and after providing
multiple opportunity to the stake holders for submission of their views the decision is taken by Authority.
Telecom Dispute Resolution in India Since setting up of TRAI in 1997 and prior to amendment in
2000, TRAI was entrusted with Recommendatory, Regulatory and Adjudicatory functions
In the year 2000 – TDSAT was established by carving out the adjudicatory functions from TRAI
TDSAT ’s power To adjudicate any dispute
Between a licensor and a licensee Between two or more service providers Between a service provider and a group of consumers
To hear and dispose of appeals against decisions of TRAI
Central Govt. or State Govt. or a local Authority or any person aggrieved by decision/direction/order of Authority may prefer an appeal in TDSAT
Analysis of Appeals – PSU/Pvt.
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
4
9
12
3
5 5
1
65
15
3
9
14
10
5
PSU PVT
PSU PVT Total
30
67
97
PSU/Pvt. - Total
Analysis of Appeals– Subject-wise
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
3
6
12
2
6
9
32
5
32 2
4
6 6
4
0 0 0 0 01
0 0
2
5
21
23
6
0
Int. Trff QOS Misc
Int Trf QoS Misc Total
4332
1
21
97
Total Subject Wise
Analysis of Appeals – Decision Wise
3
76
8
2
14
2
34
7
0
10
1 1
0 00
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Against Favour
18
50
Against Favour
Total cases
13
2
11
Appeals filed
Appeals dismissed
Appeals pending
No. of appeals filed by SPs in Supreme Court against 50
decisions of TDSAT
8
1
7
Appeals filed
Appeals upheld
Appeals pending
No. of appeals filed by TRAI in Supreme Court against 18 decisions of
TDSAT
Licensing
Interconnection
Tariffs
QoS
Competition
Based on TRAI recommendations, open competition has been introduced in all sectors including unified access. Internet Telephony introduced Recommendations for total unification with Govt.
Issues have been addressed through various regulations and directives;One of the few countries to publish RIOA comprehensive IUC regime too is in place
Telecom Tariff Order & amendments;De-regulation of tariffs, starting with cellular tariffsMonitoring of tariffs for predation
End User Quality of Service regulation,Publicly available customer survey
Accounting separation, RIO by service providers with Significant Market Power, Merger issues
Regulatory
ToolBox
USO Comprehensive USO Policy in place
Broadband Broadband Policy 2004 issued by Govt.
Major Initiatives of TRAI in Recent Times
Recommendations on: Internet telephony , MVNOProvision of Calling Cards by Long Distance OperatorReserve price and auction process for 3G servicesMobile TV , IPTV & HITSLicensing provisions for Cable TV Operators, MSOs and Steps for
DigitalisationTariff Order fixing ceiling on Cable TV subscription