Mumbai: As it emphasises the significance of "strong" digital connectivity in economic development, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Thursday started stakeholder discussions on the introduction of the "Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider" authorisation under single licencing.
The regulator stated this while releasing its most recent consultation paper for stakeholder views. "Digital connectivity infrastructure plays a vital and leading role in the successful implementation of various government schemes under Digital India, Make in India, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the development of smart cities," it said.
The recently deployed 5G network, according to Trai , would turn India into a broadband superhighway and strengthen the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
It is imperative that new players are encouraged through conducive licencing framework for creation of active and passive infrastructure, it added. “Trai released the consultation paper on 9 February on ‘Introduction of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorisation under Unified Licence,” the regulator said in a statement.
Views on a variety of topics have been solicited. Stakeholder feedback has been invited on the proposed DCIP authorization, as well as the terms, conditions, and scope of such authorisation. Trai has inquired about any potential issues or roadblocks in the migration of IP-I (Infrastructure Provider) registered entities to the proposed DCIP authorisation under UL. It explains what these issues are and what migratory guidelines should be implemented.
“What measures should be taken to ensure that DCIP Licensee lease/rent/sell their infrastructure to eligible service providers (that is DCI items, equipment, and system) on a fair, non-discriminatory, and transparent manner throughout the agreed period,” according to another question posed by Trai in the consultation paper.
Trai has also invited feedback from stakeholders on how to ensure that DCIPs lease/rent/sell DCI items, equipment, and systems within the limits of their designed network and capacity, so that service delivery is not jeopardised at the expense of other eligible service providers.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit written comments on the consultation paper by 9 March, as well as counter-comments by 23 March.
