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TRAI’s Latest Measures on Telecom Quality Focus on Change, but Is It Enough for Consumers?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revamped service quality standards with the new “Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wirelines and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024 (06 of 2024).” This regulation, effective from October 01, 2024, follows a consultation process that included a paper released on August 18, 2023, and an Open House Discussion on April 09, 2024.
Context and Background
Before these new regulations, three different sets of rules were in place prescribing Quality of Service (QoS) standards:
These regulations have been in place for over a decade. However, with new technologies, converged networks like 4G, 5G, and fibre-based high-speed broadband, and upcoming technologies like 6G, there was a clear need to revisit and update the QoS standards to match the current technological landscape. The new regulations supersede these earlier ones, aiming to provide a unified and comprehensive framework to regulate broadband services
Changes in the New QoS Regulation
In addition, other rules that service providers must implement include online systems for real-time QoS performance monitoring and reporting and adopting Six Sigma quality management practices for continuous service quality improvement. To ensure compliance, escalating financial penalties have been established for ongoing non-compliance with QoS benchmarks.
Anticipated Implications
Areas for Enhancement and Future Recommendations
Note: For more information, refer to:
- CUTS Comments on the TRAI Consultation Paper on the Review of Quality-of-Service Standards for Access Services (Wireless and Wireline) and Broadband Services (Wireless and Wireline) are available here.
- The CUTS submission on TRAI Consultation for Data Speeds under Wireless Broadband Plans is available here.
- Consumer Broadband Labels: For Greater Transparency & Informed Consumers, available here.
- Coding and Enforcing Mobile Internet: Quality of Standards in India, available here.
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