Sanjay Singh / New Delhi
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will meet telecom industry players next month to discuss on issues that it plans to take up next year.
The TRAI’s interaction with industry players, held annually is however expected to involve wider stakeholders in the telecom space this time. This would include telecom operators, infrastructure providers amongst other stakeholders, according to TRAI.
A senior TRAI official said the discussion would not be limited to telecom service providers but would include other infrastructure providers and other stakeholders in telecom sector. TRAI is aiming at broader consultation with various stakeholders to understand new areas where it needs to look at.
Last week, TRAI had launched a consultation to explore the regulatory framework for OTT apps like WhatsApp, Google Duo, Facebook and others that offer calling and messaging services similar to that by provided by telecom companies. TRAI has sought a public opinion if same rules should be applied on OTT applications providing calling and instant messaging services as applied on telecom players.
Meanwhile, addressing the interactive session on broadcasting, Sharma pointed out that a new comprehensive framework for the sector entailing tariffs, service quality and interconnect aspects is aimed at growth and not hurting players. He was of the view that this does not aim at hurting players but ensuring growth of the sector in an orderly manner, keeping the interest of stakeholders in mind.