Latest news with #TelecomRegulatoryAuthorityofIndia


Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Robust digital connectivity essential as water, electricity and structural safety: TRAI chairman
New Delhi: The new framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity provides a clear, transparent and technology-neutral approach for property developers, infrastructure providers and government agencies to plan, implement, evaluate and improve digital connectivity readiness across various types of premises -- homes, offices, schools, hospitals, transport hubs and smart urban spaces, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI ) Chairperson, Anil Kumar Lahoti , said on Thursday. Speaking at a workshop on 'Framework for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity' at TRAI headquarters here, Lahoti highlighted that robust digital connectivity has become as essential as water, electricity and structural safety, especially since an estimated 70-80 per cent of mobile data traffic is now consumed indoors. He emphasised the need for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) -- the civil, physical and technological components that enable seamless access to telecom networks -- to be planned and embedded at the design stage, rather than added as an afterthought. The event aimed to build awareness about importance of planning digital connectivity infrastructure as a part of property or infrastructure development plan and promote institutional adoption of the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, notified by TRAI on October 25, 2024. The regulation introduces a voluntary, performance-based star rating system, similar to green building or energy efficiency ratings, to assess how digitally ready a property or infrastructure is for delivering high-quality broadband and mobile connectivity. The property or infrastructure includes residential buildings, commercial complexes, government offices, airports, highways, stadiums, and railway stations, among others. The TRAI chairperson urged Ministries, Departments and institutions to integrate DCI requirements into project guidelines, model tender documents and training curricula, so that India's built environment is future-ready by design. This framework aligns with flagship national programmes such as Digital India and Smart Cities Mission, supporting the long-term goal of inclusive, high-quality digital access for every citizen. TRAI said it will continue its stakeholder engagement through such workshops, consultations and capacity-building initiatives to facilitate the creation of robust digital connectivity infrastructure in the country.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Six held for cheating man of 1.36cr in ‘digital arrest' scam
Ahmedabad: A six-member gang was arrested for duping a citizen of Rs 1.36 crore through a 'digital arrest' operation, Cybercrime police said on Thursday. The accused impersonated officials from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Supreme Court, threatening the victim with legal action and coercing him into transferring the money via RTGS (real-time gross settlement). The gang made WhatsApp video calls using fake IDs, wore fake police uniforms and forged several documents, including a letter stamped with a fake seal of the Supreme Court Bar Association and fake warrants shown as issued by a judge. The victim was told that his mobile phone would be blocked and that he was under investigation for holding Rs 2 crore in black money, cybercrime police officers said. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act. Using technical surveillance, police identified and arrested the accused from different locations in Ahmedabad and Banaskantha. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Two of the accused — Nishant Rathod (43), a trader, and Yash Patel, (25), both residents of Vastral — operated from Shed No. 13, Khodiyar Estate, CTM. They helped open current bank accounts and obtained sim cards used in the scam. Their accomplices, Kuldeep Joshi (20), Hitesh Chaudhary (26), Siddhraj Chauhan (22) and Jagdish Choudhary (27) — worked as labourers or farmers in Banaskantha. They helped operate the bank accounts, forward OTPs using mobile apps and pass on details via Telegram to international handlers. Police found that the gang had earlier opened multiple fake accounts and were also named in an FIR pertaining to online fraud in Vadodara. Further investigation is underway to uncover additional victims and links to other scammers' networks.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Telcos implement suffixes for SMS headers, urge for unified consent framework
NEW DELHI: The telecom industry on Tuesday said it has successfully implemented suffixes to SMS headers, as per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India 's ( TRAI ) latest amendment, to improve transparency of communications and reduce spam and unsolicited messages. These suffixes for SMS headers include promotional ('P'), service-related ('S'), transactional ('T') and Government ('G') communications, as mandated by the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR) vide its amendment to the TCCCP Regulation dated February 12, 2025. 'This implementation has enhanced transparency and consumer protection as such categorisation enables subscribers to easily identify the nature of incoming messages, reducing spam, strengthening compliance and improving overall trust and convenience for users,' SP Kochhar, director-general of the Cellular Operators Association of India ( COAI ), said in a statement. The Delhi-based association represents telecom incumbents Reliance Jio , Bharti Airtel , and Vodafone Idea (Vi). Kochhar said the approach promotes a safer and consumer-friendly communication ecosystem, but warned that over-the-top (OTT) communication services are being consistently utilised for spam and fraud menssages, noting that the success of any consent framework or spam mitigation measure is incomplete if 'large parts of the communication ecosystem remain unregulated'. 'This regulatory gap is increasingly being exploited, with a growing share of scams and unsolicited promotions now originating on OTT apps, adding to customer woes. Moreover, this creates an uneven playing field between the TSPs and the OTT communication services, raising privacy, traceability and national security concerns,' Kochhar said. COAI suggested that bridging the regulatory loophole through a unified consent management framework that brings all platforms, including OTTs, under its purview is 'critical to protect consumers and ensure consistency across the ecosystem'.


News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Elon Musk's Starlink In India: A New Era For Internet Connectivity Or Just Hype?
Last Updated: Over 600 million in rural India lack reliable internet, Starlink could deliver high-speed access to remote villages. But costs, licensing norms and terrain could pose a challenge With a population of 1.4 billion and a $4 trillion economy, India faces a significant digital divide. While Mumbai boasts of nearly 70% internet penetration, nearly half of rural India still struggles with unreliable or no connectivity, a 2024 report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said. So, could Elon Musk's Starlink be a game-changer in India? Cleared by India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in June, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet using a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Where will Starlink work best, who is it likely to help first, and how it fits into India's broader push to bridge its urban-rural tech gap, let's find out. How Starlink Works Starlink's satellite internet, delivered via a constellation of over 6,750 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites at 550 km altitude, offers Indian users download speeds of 25-220 Mbps, upload speeds of 5-20 Mbps, and latency of 25-50 milliseconds — making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and video calls. This presents a significant upgrade for rural areas where traditional broadband options remain limited. However, in India's metros, fibre broadband still dominates with superior speeds of 100-1000 Mbps downloads, 50-200 Mbps uploads, and ultra-low 5-15 ms latency, while 5G mobile networks deliver 50-500 Mbps speeds. Rural areas typically rely on slower 4G connections (5-30 Mbps downloads) or limited fibre where available. Users need a Rs 33,000 Starlink kit — comprising a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and cables—installed in an open-sky location. A user-friendly app guides placement, making setup accessible without professional help. Monthly plans, starting at Rs 850 (promotional) to Rs 3,000–Rs 4,200, offer unlimited data, per The Economic Times. Starlink's LEO satellites, using laser communication, outperform geostationary satellites' 600+ ms latency, ensuring reliability even in remote terrains. How Starlink Could Benefit Indian Internet Users Starlink's entry into India, backed by partnerships with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, addresses critical connectivity gaps and offers transformative benefits: Bridging The Digital Divide: Over 600 million Indians in rural areas lack reliable internet, per a 2023 Nasscom report. Starlink's satellite network bypasses the need for costly ground infrastructure, delivering high-speed access to villages in Assam or Ladakh. This enables online education for 68 million schoolgirls, telemedicine for 70% of under-equipped rural health centres, and e-commerce for small businesses, boosting rural economies by 2%, per NITI Aayog estimates. Empowering Remote Regions: India's diverse geography poses challenges for fibre networks. Starlink's coverage, requiring only a clear sky, can connect 90% of these areas, per a 2024 Financial Express analysis. For example, pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra, a high-altitude trek drawing 500,000 annually, could use Starlink for real-time communication, enhancing safety in areas with no cellular coverage. Economic & Social Impact: With 5.4 million tech workers driving urban economies, reliable internet is vital. Starlink's low latency supports remote work, potentially saving Rs 10,000 crore annually in commuting costs, per The Hindu report. In education, 60% of rural students lack online learning access; Starlink could reduce this gap by 20%. For businesses, 30% of SMEs in tier-2 cities like Jaipur face slow internet, per FICCI; Starlink's speeds could boost productivity by 15%. Space Economy Growth: India's space sector, projected to hit $44 billion by 2033, benefits from Starlink's entry, per a 2024 FICCI-EY report. It fosters innovation, creating 50,000 tech jobs and aligning with India's 172 space start-ups, as per a News18 report. Competitive pricing could lower broadband costs, challenging Jio's free data model. Starlink's installation requires a clear view of the sky, avoiding obstructions like trees or buildings. Strategic locations include: Rural And Tribal Areas: Over 700,000 villages, especially in Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, have internet penetration below 30%, per TRAI. Installing Starlink dishes in community centres or schools, as tried in Bhutan, could serve 10,000 users per region. Remote Regions: The Northeast (e.g., Arunachal Pradesh), Himalayan areas (Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh), and island territories (Andaman & Nicobar) could see fibre infrastructure expand with Starlink's portable kits, installed on rooftops or open fields. This can connect 50,000 users initially, per Indian Express. The Amarnath Yatra route, at 3,800 metres, could host temporary base stations for pilgrims. Disaster-Prone Zones: States like Assam (annual floods) and Gujarat (cyclones) need resilient communication. Starlink dishes on government buildings or mobile units, as used in Ukraine, can ensure uninterrupted service during disasters, supporting 70% of India's disaster-affected areas, per NDMA 2024 data. Educational & Health Institutions: With 15,000 schools lacking basic facilities, per a 2024 MoE report, Starlink can enable digital classrooms. Rural health centres, where only 10% offer telemedicine, could install dishes to connect 1 million patients annually, per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. What Could Be The Possible Challenges? While Starlink's entry into India holds transformative potential, it will not be without significant challenges. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure limitations, and affordability concerns are among the biggest roadblocks that could slow down its rollout and adoption. Regulatory & Licensing Compliance India has a tightly regulated telecom sector. Though Starlink received in-principle approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in June, it must still comply with licensing norms, spectrum allocation policies, and data localisation rules. A report by Reuters suggests that Starlink still needs to establish ground infrastructure and secure the spectrum from the government. Moreover, the SpaceX-owned service needs to demonstrate through testing and trial that it meets the security rules set by IN-SPACe. This means, Starlink may start offering its services in India either by the end of the year or sometime next year. Cost And Affordability One of the biggest challenges will be pricing. Starlink's global monthly subscription rates are steep by Indian standards. Even if subsidised, the upfront cost of Starlink's user terminals—often around Rs 40,000–Rs 60,000—may be unaffordable for many rural households. Without targeted subsidies or partnerships with government schemes like BharatNet, mass adoption may be limited. Rural Deployment & Terrain While Starlink is ideal for remote areas with poor infrastructure, regions with high tree cover, hilly terrain, or frequent power outages may face signal disruption. Additionally, awareness and technical literacy remain low in underserved communities, which could slow installation and service adoption. How India Can Maximise Starlink's Impact Expand Infrastructure: Deploy 1,000 ground stations by 2027, per IN-SPACe, to support 3 Tbps bandwidth, serving 50 million users. top videos View all Security Compliance: Enforce data localisation and 20% indigenised ground segments, per DoT norms, to address espionage fears. Integrate with Telecom: Jio and Airtel's retail networks can distribute kits, covering 70% of India's telecom market, per The Hindu. About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Billionaire Elon Musk India Internet SpaceX Starlink view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 14, 2025, 10:51 IST News india Elon Musk's Starlink In India: A New Era For Internet Connectivity Or Just Hype? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Trai audit reveals major internet speed, call quality gaps in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: As Gujarat's commercial capital continues to embrace digital infrastructure and rapid urban development, the demand for high-speed mobile internet has never been higher. But do all areas of Ahmedabad get good mobile internet speed? Perhaps not! A recent telecom performance audit conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) across key city zones reveals that Ahmedabad clocked its fastest mobile internet speed of 674 Mbps at the IIM Ahmedabad main gate. However, some kilometres away, the picture changes dramatically. At RTO Circle, 7.5km from the IIM campus, top speeds dropped to nearly half — around 334 Mbps. The speed was slightly better at the Sabarmati Riverfront, at 362 Mbps. High-footfall zones like the Ranip Bus Terminal saw most internet service providers struggling to cross even 100 Mbps. The situation was worse near Iskcon Temple, where some speeds by some service providers hovered under 30 Mbps, while one couldn't even cross 1 Mbps. Law Garden showed middling results, ranging from around 50 Mbps to as low as under 5 Mbps. The Independent Drive Test Report conducted by Trai was completed early in May, and the findings were recently released. "Unlike players who transitioned gradually from 2G and 3G to 4G and now 5G, the direct entry of some providers into the 4G ecosystem and subsequent 5G rollout gave them a headstart in speed and coverage. However, most telecom operators are now rapidly upgrading infrastructure and investing heavily in network deepening to bridge these gaps. The industry as a whole is committed to enhancing mobile internet quality and voice reliability, especially in high-density and previously underserved areas," said an industry expert. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad The divide was equally stark when it came to upload speeds. New players led the pack with peaks above 57 Mbps, but older 4G networks, lagged. In some pockets, upload speeds dipped below 2 Mbps, a serious limitation in an age of cloud backups, video uploads, and content sharing. While internet speeds tell one side of the story, voice performance adds another layer. Two networks stood out for reliability delivering 100% to nearly 100% call setup success and zero drops across city roads, railway stretches, and public hotspots. Some fell well short of the mark, with the audit recording call drop rates as high as 3.66% in city areas, exceeding Trai's 2% threshold, indicating persistent reliability issues. Some locations offered a bright contrast. Law Garden recorded the fastest call setup time at just 0.80 seconds. CG Road, Nexus Ahmedabad One Mall, RTO Circle, and Biodiversity Park also showed strong voice clarity and zero drops. Yet in many areas, especially along city drive routes, BSNL's mute/silence rate touched 7.61%, pointing to disrupted or incomplete calls, not just dropped, but hollow.