Adversitement
Telecom Giants Oppose TRAI Proposal on Virtual Network Operators
Published On : 2024-03-31T15:14:54+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
Home
India :
Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea have voiced their opposition to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) proposal to permit virtual network operators (VNOs) to collaborate with multiple telecom companies within a circle. The telecom operators argue that TRAI itself had previously dismissed such an arrangement.
In a letter to TRAI, Airtel stated, "On looking at the last 15 years of the VNO regime... what is evident is that the Regulator has discussed, debated and given its recommendations on specific aspects of multi-parenting umpteen times, and reiterated at every point that it does not support multi-parenting."
VNOs, which do not own infrastructure or spectrum, lease capacities from larger telecom operators to resell data and voice services. Currently, VNOs are only permitted to partner with one telecom operator in a given area. TRAI's proposal aims to enable VNOs to collaborate with multiple players to enhance their business viability. However, the tough operating conditions have limited the presence of VNOs in the market.
Reliance Jio echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that allowing multi-parenting could lead to unnecessary competition and favoritism issues.
Vodafone Idea highlighted that TRAI's consultation paper lacks detailed analysis and impact assessment. It emphasized TRAI's earlier recommendations that VNOs should be parented by a single Network Service Operator (NSO) for access services and services requiring a unique identity for customers.
In conclusion, the telecom giants advocate for maintaining the existing provisions restricting VNOs from partnering with more than one NSO. They stress the need for detailed analysis and impact assessment before implementing any changes.
Source : Business Line
Tags : collaboration , Vodafone Idea , network service operator , multi-parenting , Bharti Airtel , TRAI , Reliance Jio , telecom regulation , virtual network operators ,
Summary : Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea oppose TRAI's proposal to allow virtual network operators (VNOs) to collaborate with multiple telecom companies within a circle. They argue that TRAI previously dismissed such an arrangement, and changing the existing provisions could lead to unnecessary competition and favoritism issues. The telecom giants emphasize the need for detailed analysis before implementing any changes.
Adversitement