(THE GIST OF PIB) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

(APRIL-2025)

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

The JCoR meeting, held at TRAI headquarters, New Delhi, emphasised the need for a unified and collaborative approach to combat spam and fraudulent calls, especially targeting senior citizens.

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, passed by Parliament.
Primary mandate: To regulate telecom services in India including tariff fixation/revision, which was earlier the domain of the Central Government.
Scope of regulation: Covers areas like tariffs, quality of service, interconnection, spectrum management, and consumer protection in the telecom sector.
Policy role: Issues regulations, recommendations, and orders that guide telecom policy-making and market practices.

Composition of TRAI

Consists of a Chairperson, a maximum of two full-time members, and two part-time members.
Appointments are made by the Central Government.
Tenure: Members serve for three years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Extent of Government Control over TRAI

Not a fully independent body – operates under certain executive constraints:
Under Section 25 of the TRAI Act, the Central Government can issue binding directions to TRAI.
TRAI’s funding is provided by the Central Government.
TRAI's recommendations are advisory, not binding; however, the Government must consult TRAI for licensing of service providers and related matters.
TRAI can notify telecom service rates in the Official Gazette for services within and outside India.