JSA Newsletter | Telecommunications | July – September 2026

Please click here to download the Prism as a PDF.

 

Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026

On July 8, 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (“DoT”) notified the Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026 (“Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules”) under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (“Telecom Act”). The rules govern the authorisation required for possession of radio equipment for activities such as manufacture, import, sale, hire, repair, testing and demonstration.

 

Key provisions of Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules

Overview and scope

• The Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules set out the terms and conditions for obtaining authorisation to possess radio equipment and define key terms.
• The Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules apply to persons seeking to possess radio equipment for manufacture, purchase, import for sale, hire, repair, testing or demonstration.

 

Eligibility framework

• Eligible applicants include companies, limited liability partnerships, partnership firms, sole proprietorships, government entities and designated government agencies.
• Companies and limited liability partnerships must comply with applicable foreign direct investment requirements.
• Existing licensees under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Possession) Rules, 1965 are also eligible under the new framework.

 

Application and grant of authorisation

• Applications must be submitted through the designated portal with specified documents and a non-refundable fee of INR 1,000 (Indian Rupees one thousand).
• Additional permission under Section 48 of the Telecom Act is required for equipment that blocks telecommunications.
• The Central Government may undertake eligibility verification and security vetting before issuing a letter of intent.
• The annual fees are INR 10,000 (Indian Rupees ten thousand) for commercial activities and INR 2,000 (Indian Rupees two thousand) (minimum INR 500 (Indian Rupees five hundred)) for testing or demonstration only.
• Upon compliance with the letter of intent and payment of fees, authorisation may be granted specifying the equipment, permitted activities, location and duration.

 

Duration, renewal and modification

• Commercial authorisations may be issued for 1 (one) to 5 (five) years; testing or demonstration authorisations for up to 12 (twelve) months.
• Renewal applications must be submitted at least 1 (one) month before expiry, with late applications permitted on showing sufficient cause and paying late fees.
• Modifications to authorisations may be sought upon payment of INR 1,000 (Indian Rupees one thousand), subject to government approval.

 

Operational obligations and restrictions

• Authorised entities must maintain radio equipment in secure premises, comply with eligibility requirements throughout the authorisation period, conform with applicable legal and technical standards, and promptly report changes through the portal.
• Updated inventories, records and documents must be maintained and furnished to the Central Government as required.
• The Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules require immediate reporting of any loss, theft, loss of possession or suspected misuse of radio equipment.
• Testing and demonstration must not cause interference, and equipment radiating power exceeding 100 (one hundred) milliwatts must comply with spectrum assignment conditions.
• Authorisations generally cannot be assigned or transferred, directly or indirectly, without prior approval of the Central Government.

 

Exemptions from authorisation requirement

• Exemptions apply to holders of existing telecom licences, registrations or permissions, spectrum assignees under the Telecom Act, Amateur Station Operator Certificate holders, users possessing radio equipment accommodating not more than 4 (four) subscriber identity modules, and subscribers of authorised telecommunication services.
• The Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules clarify that such exempt persons are not permitted to manufacture, sell or let for hire radio equipment merely by virtue of these exemptions.

 

Surrender and disposal of radio equipment

• Voluntary surrender requires at least 30 (thirty) days’ prior application and evidence of payment of all dues.
• Radio equipment must be disposed of within prescribed timelines following non-renewal, surrender, cessation of eligibility, or revocation of authorisation.
• Portal-based disposal procedures and documentary proof of disposal are required.

 

Government powers, enforcement and digital implementation

• Testing and demonstration may be restricted in sensitive areas, including near India’s international borders, the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control.
• Physical verification of equipment and premises may be conducted, including without prior notice where necessary in the public interest.
• Breaches may result in suspension, revocation or curtailment of authorisation under Section 32 of the Telecom Act.
• Digital implementation is provided through government-notified portals.

 

TRAI consultation paper on draft amendments to the Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wireline and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024

On August 5, 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAI”) released a consultation paper on proposed amendments to the Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wireline and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024 (“QoS Regulations”). The consultation seeks stakeholder input on strengthening quality of service standards in light of evolving technologies including 5G network slicing, enhancing coverage transparency, strengthening compliance obligations, and introducing additional consumer protection mechanisms. Comments are due by August 26, 2026, and counter comments by September 7, 2026.

 

Key issues

5G network slicing and capacity management

• A new QoS parameter, ‘Cells having daily PRB utilisation >80%’, is proposed with a benchmark of not more than 1% of cells exceeding the threshold.
• Service providers launching new network slices must submit details at least 21 (twenty-one) days in advance and demonstrate adequate network capacity.
• Views are sought on whether additional safeguards are needed to protect QoS for regular internet users.

 

Publication and validation of coverage maps

• A new benchmark requiring at least 98% accuracy of coverage maps published by service providers is proposed.
• A framework is proposed for preparation, validation and updating of technology-wise (2G/3G/4G/5G) coverage maps, including API-based data sharing with TRAI.
• Comments are sought on the validation methodology, including drive tests, crowdsourced data and financial consequences for inaccurate reporting.

 

Broadband speed transparency and performance reporting

• Service providers would be required to declare technology-wise typical download and upload speeds for 4G and 5G services per tariff offering.
• Revised QoS parameters would require that the 80^th percentile (wireless) and 90^th percentile (wireline) measured speeds meet or exceed declared typical speeds, with a 100% compliance benchmark.
• Separate compliance obligations would apply to different network slices, with each enhanced mobile broadband network slice treated as a distinct tariff offering for monitoring purposes.

 

Network outage reporting and consumer compensation

• TRAI proposes broadening the definition of Significant Network Outage (“SNO”) for wireless services to include events where more than 10% of subscribers in a licensed service area experience complete loss of service for more than 4 (four) hours, in addition to the existing district-wide outage threshold.
• Similar SNO reporting requirements are proposed for broadband (wireline) services, including situations involving material degradation in service quality;
• Service providers would be required to report such outages within 24 (twenty-four) hours and provide rebates or validity extensions to affected subscribers where outages persist beyond 24 (twenty-four) hours.

 

Introduction and modification of QoS parameters

• A new ‘Silence Call Rate’ parameter is proposed with a benchmark of not more than 1%.
• A new ‘Mean Time-To-Repair’ parameter benchmarked at not more than 10 (ten) hours is proposed for broadband (wireline) services, supplementing existing fault repair benchmarks (85% by next working day, 99% within 3 (three) days).
• Amendments to existing fault incidence metrics and measurement methodologies are also proposed.

 

Consumer experience and customer service standards

• TRAI proposes the introduction of a Quality of Experience Score (“QoES”), which would assess service providers using a combination of network performance indicators, customer service metrics and consumer perception data.
• The timeline for resolution of billing and charging complaints would be reduced from 4 (four) weeks to 1 (one) week.

 

Compliance, reporting and enforcement framework

• Separate penalties are proposed for false reporting, non-compliance and non-submission of compliance reports.
• Financial disincentives of up to INR 10,00,000 (Indian Rupees ten lakh) are proposed in specified cases, together with interest on delayed payments.
• Comments are sought on whether the revised compliance framework appropriately balances regulatory oversight and implementation feasibility.

 

Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Network) Rules, 2026

On July 20, 2026, DoT notified the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Telecommunication Network) Rules, 2026 (“Network Authorisation Rules”) under the Telecom Act. The Network Authorisation Rules establish the authorisation framework for entities seeking to establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication networks in India, forming a key part of the transition from the erstwhile licensing regime to the authorisation-based framework under the Telecom Act.

For a detailed analysis, please refer to the JSA Prism of August 14, 2026.

 

Authorisation guidelines for undertaking space situational awareness related activities

On June 25, 2026, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, Department of Space, released the Authorisation Guidelines for undertaking Space Situational Awareness (“SSA”) related Activities (“SSA Authorization Guidelines”) under the Indian Space Policy 2023. The SSA Authorization Guidelines, to be read with the Norms, Guidelines and Procedures in respect of Authorisation of Space Activities (NGP), May 2024, establish a framework governing SSA activities by Indian entities, including space-based and ground-based SSA sensors and the provision of SSA services.

For a detailed analysis, please refer to the JSA Prism of September 14, 2026.

 

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre notifies framework for authorisation of hosted payloads

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, Department of Space, released the Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Implementation of Indian Space Policy-2023 in respect of Authorisation for Establishment and/or Operation of Hosted-Payloads (“Guidelines”) on September 17, 2026. The Guidelines should be read with the principal Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Authorisation of Space Activities issued in May 2024 (“NGP”). They create a dedicated pathway for the fast-growing ‘Satellite as a Service’ model, under which operators lease capacity on their satellite buses to third-party payloads, a development of direct relevance to satellite communication providers, telecom operators and space start-ups.

For a detailed analysis, please refer to the JSA Prism of September 29, 2026.

 

Draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026

On September 2, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (“MIB”) published the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 (“Draft Broadcasting Rules”) under the Telecom Act for public consultation, with comments due by October 2, 2026. The Draft Broadcasting Rules seek to establish a unified regulatory framework for television, radio and associated broadcasting services by consolidating multiple legacy guidelines under a single authorisation regime.

 

Key provisions of the Draft Broadcasting Rules

Overview and scope

• The Draft Broadcasting Rules establish a comprehensive authorisation framework for television, radio and associated broadcasting services under the Telecom Act.
• The Draft Broadcasting Rules cover television channels, television channel distribution services (including Direct-to-Home (“DTH”), Headend-in-the-Sky (“HITS”) and Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) services), teleports, television news agencies, private radio services and community radio services;
• Parliament and Prasar Bharati are exempt from the authorisation requirements under the Draft Broadcasting Rules.

 

Consolidation of existing broadcasting framework

The Draft Broadcasting Rules seek to consolidate the following existing broadcasting policy guidelines into a single framework under the Telecom Act:

• policy guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of satellite television channels in India, dated November 9, 2022;
• guidelines for obtaining a licence to provide DTH broadcasting services in India, dated March 15, 2001 (as amended);
• guidelines for providing HITS Broadcasting Services in India, dated November 26, 2009;
• policy guidelines on expansion of Frequency Modulation (“FM”) radio broadcasting services through private agencies (Phase III), dated July 25, 2011 (as amended up to September 10, 2024);
• revised policy guidelines for setting up community radio stations in India, dated February 13, 2024; and
• guidelines for provisioning of IPTV services, dated September 8, 2008.

 

Authorisation categories and eligibility framework

• Separate eligibility criteria apply for each category, including minimum net worth, foreign investment compliance and security clearance requirements.
• Television channels may be authorised as news channels or non-news channels, while television channel distribution services include DTH, HITS and IPTV services.
• Private radio providers are subject to ownership and cross-media restrictions, including minimum Indian ownership and limits on market concentration.
• Community radio authorisations may be granted to specified not-for-profit entities, educational institutions and similar organisations on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

Application and grant of authorisation

• Applications must be submitted with applicable fees, ownership details, shareholding information and particulars of key managerial personnel.
• The Central Government may seek additional information and undertake inspections and security clearances before determining an application.
• A letter of intent specifying applicable fees, deposits and bank guarantees may be issued, following which authorisation may be granted through a portal.
• Proposed validity periods: 10 (ten) years (television channels, teleports, community radio), 20 (twenty) years (distribution services) and 15 (fifteen) years (private radio).
• The Draft Broadcasting Rules prescribe detailed financial requirements, including minimum net worth thresholds, one-time entry fees, annual authorisation fees, security deposits and performance bank guarantees for each category of broadcasting service.

 

Migration of existing authorisations

• Existing holders of satellite television, DTH, HITS and community radio licences may apply to migrate to corresponding authorisation categories;
• Migration requires payment of all outstanding dues and interest; no processing fee applies;
• Entities electing not to migrate may continue under existing terms for the remainder of the validity period, but no legacy renewal will be available;
• The Draft Broadcasting Rules do not address legacy approvals without a defined validity period or clarify their migration pathway.
• Existing FM radio permissions will continue under their current terms and conditions and are not proposed to be migrated to the new framework.

 

Operational and compliance requirements

• Authorised entities must comply with applicable programme codes, advertising codes, security requirements and reporting obligations throughout the period of authorisation.
• Recordings of programmes and advertisements must be maintained for at least 90 (ninety) days.
• Material changes in ownership, control, shareholding or foreign investment must be reported within prescribed timelines, with certain changes requiring prior approval.
• Authorisation does not confer any right to spectrum assignment, which must be separately obtained.

 

Service specific obligations

• Television channels must commence operations within 1 (one) year of spectrum assignment and broadcast at least 30 (thirty) minutes daily on themes of national importance, unless exempted.
• IPTV providers must retransmit only authorised channels and implement digital rights management measures.
• DTH and HITS operators are subject to channel carriage, platform service, encryption and cross-holding requirements;
• Private radio must operate free-to-air, maintain local content requirements and broadcast only limited non-news content alongside unaltered Akashvani bulletins.

 

Security, enforcement and digital implementation

• Security clearance is required for authorised entities, key managerial personnel and specified foreign personnel.
• Transfers of television channel, teleport and private radio authorisations require prior government approval.
• Breaches may result in civil penalties, suspension, curtailment, revocation or cancellation of authorisations.
• Digital implementation is provided through government-notified portals.

 

MIB issues revised guidelines for certification of films

On September 16, 2026, MIB issued revised guidelines that the Board of Film Certification must follow when certifying films for public exhibition under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and replace the 1991 guidelines, though anything already done under the old guidelines stays valid. The stated objectives are to keep film responsible and sensitive to society’s values without unduly curbing artistic expression and creative freedom. Certification should also respond to social change and, as far as possible, favor films of aesthetic and cinematic quality.

The most significant change is the formal adoption of age-based ratings within the unrestricted category. Films suitable for children with parental guidance below a given age will carry a marker, depending on their content and theme. Films certified for unrestricted exhibition must be suitable for the whole family, including children, to watch together. Films unsuitable for non-adults will be certified for adults only. The Board may also restrict a film to members of a particular profession or class of persons. The Board must judge each film as a whole, by its overall impact, and in light of the period it depicts and current standards. Film titles will also be checked to make sure they are not provocative, vulgar or offensive.

The content principles cover the following:

• Violence and crime: Violence must not be glorified, and criminal methods must not be shown.
• Children, disability and animals: Scenes of child abuse, ridicule of persons with disabilities and cruelty to animals must not be shown needlessly.
• Alcohol, drugs and tobacco: Scenes that glamorize drinking, drugs or tobacco are not allowed.
• Narcotics warning: Any scene showing the use or trafficking of narcotics must carry a statutory warning ending ‘Say No to Drugs’.
• Women and sexual violence: Scenes degrading women are not allowed, and depictions of sexual violence must be avoided or, where central to the story, kept to a minimum without detail.
• National interests and legal limits: Content must not threaten India’s sovereignty, state security, public order or friendly relations with other countries, and must not be defamatory or amount to contempt of court.

Producers, distributors and content advisors should review scripts, titles and marketing materials against the revised criteria before submitting films for certification.

 

Telecommunications (User Identification) Rules, 2026

On August 21, 2026, the DoT notified the Telecommunications (User Identification) Rules, 2026 (“User Identification Rules”) and simultaneously brought into force Section 3(7) of the Telecom Act, empowering the Central Government to notify telecommunications services requiring verifiable biometric-based identification of users. Wireless access services and internet telephony services through mobile user terminals were notified as the first category of services subject to the User Identification Rules.

 

Key developments under the User Identification Rules

Commencement of User Identification framework

• Section 3(7) of the Telecom Act effective from August 21, 2026, enables the Government to mandate biometric-based user identification for notified services.
• Wireless access services and internet telephony services through mobile user terminals are the first notified category.

 

Overview and scope

• The User Identification Rules establish a biometric-based identification framework and define key concepts including business users, end users, electronic Know Your Customer (“e-KYC”), Digital Know Your Customer (“D-KYC”), Subscriber Identity Modules (“SIMs”) and subscriber data records.
• The User Identification Rules apply to authorised entities providing notified services, including existing licensees and entities that have migrated to the Telecom Act framework.

 

User identification framework

• Biometric identification is required before enrolment, updating user information, processing disconnection and Government-directed reverification.
• Identification must be through e-KYC (for aadhaar holders) or D-KYC (for users without aadhaar or unable to complete aadhaar-based authentication).
• For business connections, biometric identification is required for both the authorised representative and each end user, unless exempted.

 

e-KYC and D-KYC requirements

• e-KYC requires Aadhaar-based authentication and maintenance of prescribed e-KYC data as part of customer records.
• D-KYC requires live facial capture, prescribed identity and address documents, and supporting verification checks.
• Alternative biometric methods, field verification and police-assisted verification are permitted where necessary.

 

Updating and transfer of user information

• Fresh biometric identification is required for SIM replacement, changes to name, gender or date of birth, or a change in user.
• Transfers are generally limited to relatives, legal heirs or Government-specified classes, subject to biometric verification.
• Business users must notify changes in end users and ensure biometric identification of new end users within prescribed timelines, failing which the connection may be suspended.
• Authorised entities must maintain historical and updated user information, together with time stamps, in their subscriber data records.

 

Suspension, reverification and disconnection

• The Central Government may direct suspension of connections or SIMs issued in contravention of the Rules and require fresh biometric verification within a specified period.
• Failure to complete verification may result in disconnection.
• Government-directed reverification may be required to ensure bonafide use of services.
• Users requesting disconnection must undergo biometric verification before processing.

 

Obligations of authorised entities

• Authorised entities must inform users of their obligations regarding accuracy, anti-impersonation, legal compliance and prohibition on unauthorised resale or transfer of connections or SIMs.
• Subscriber data records must comply with data protection and security requirements, with secure transmission of biometric information from points of sale.
• False information, forged documents or impersonation must be reported to law enforcement and the Central Government.

 

Government powers and digital implementation

• User alert mechanisms may be mandated for enrolment, information updates and disconnection requests, with remedial action where disputed.
• The Government may issue directions on secure storage and integrity of user information.
• Compliance infrastructure must be established within 3 (three) months of commencement, extendable by up to 3 (three) additional months.
• Digital implementation is provided through government-notified portals.

 

Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026

On September 18, 2026, TRAI notified the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (“Third Amendment Regulations”), introducing significant changes to the framework governing Unsolicited Commercial Communications (“UCC”) and spam prevention. The amendments strengthen enforcement, introduce regulation of Application-to-Person (“A2P”) calling, expand Artificial Intelligence(“AI”) or Machine Learning (“ML”) based spam detection, and enhance accountability of senders, telemarketers and access providers. The Third Amendment Regulations come into force in phases beginning 30 (thirty) days from publication in the Official Gazette.

 

Key changes under the Third Amendment Regulations

AI-based spam detection and enforcement

• The Regulations introduce a framework for AI/ML-based systems to identify senders suspected of transmitting UCC, including the concept of ‘Suspected High Probability UCC’ Calling Line Identity (“CLI”).
• Access providers are required to share details of suspected spam callers through the Distributed Ledger Technology (“DLT”) platform and undertake know your customer reverification, physical verification and enforcement action against repeat offenders.
• Complaint thresholds for action against unregistered telemarketers have been lowered in certain cases where complaints are corroborated by AI-based spam detection indicators.

 

Regulation of A2P calling

• A2P calls cover voice calls initiated through automated applications, autodiallers, robocalling systems and artificial voice technologies.
• Senders must declare A2P calling and associated CLI ranges for registration on the DLT platform.
• A new inter-operator charge of up to INR 0.05 (Indian Rupees five paise) per minute may be levied for A2P calls, subject to certain exemptions, including designated commercial communication number series.

 

Changes to consent and relationship framework

• Consent under the commercial communications framework is distinct from consent under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Legacy consents obtained through verifiable means may now be registered in the consent registry.
• The concept of ‘relationship’ has been revised to permit certain communications based on customer inquiries and applications, subject to validity periods and verification.

 

Stronger enforcement against UCC

• Faster investigation, suspension and disconnection of telecom resources used for UCC is provided.
• Repeat violators may face barring, disconnection, blacklisting and blocking of associated devices.
• Enhanced obligations have been introduced for action against misuse of headers, content templates and telecom resources used for transmitting commercial communications.

 

Customer protection and complaint mechanisms

• Consumers are now expressly permitted to file appeals against the resolution of UCC complaints in accordance with the telecom consumer grievance redressal framework.
• Access providers are required to maintain complaint, appeal and violation records for a period of 2 (two) years and furnish relevant records and call detail records to TRAI for audit purposes where required.

 

Call management applications and spam reporting

• The Third Amendment Regulations prohibit call management applications from automatically tagging, blocking or filtering calls originating from designated numbering series used for authorised commercial or government communications;
• Call management applications and similar services that allow users to report spam must transmit such reports to the DLT ecosystem to facilitate regulatory enforcement.

 

Operational and regulatory changes

• New definitions including ‘spam’, ‘spammer’ and ‘A2P call’ have been introduced, with senders classified into categories for differentiated treatment.
• Network service operator must provide virtual network operators with digital interfaces for compliance.
• Customer preference management has been revised, including migration of ‘Fully Block’ preferences to the ‘Block Promo’ category.

 

Telecom Consumers Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026

On September 21, 2026, TRAI notified the Telecom Consumers Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, amending the Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, 2012. The amendment requires telecom service providers (“TSPs”) to offer voice-and-Short Message Service (“SMS”)-only Special Tariff Vouchers (“STVs”) across a wider range of validity periods at reduced tariffs, particularly for consumers who do not require data services. The regulations come into force 30 (thirty) days from publication in the official gazette.

 

Key changes

Expanded availability of voice-and-SMS-only STVs

• Voice-and-SMS-only STVs must be offered with tariff reductions for each validity period of 30 (thirty) days and below where bundled STVs are offered.
• Monthly-renewable voice-and-SMS-only STVs must also be offered.
• At least 1 (one) voice-and-SMS-only STV with a longer validity period must also be offered.

 

Consumer choice and affordability

• Existing Voice-and-SMS-only STVs were largely limited to longer validity periods (80 (eighty) or 84 (eighty-four) and 336 (three hundred and thirty-six) or 365 (three hundred and thirty-five) days), often requiring higher one-time payments unsuitable for low-income, rural and senior consumers.
• The amendment aims to provide greater flexibility and affordable recharge options for consumers who do not require data services.

 

Pricing framework

• Voice-and-SMS-only STVs must be offered with an “appropriate reduction” compared to corresponding bundled STVs.
• TRAI clarified that the amendment does not amount to tariff regulation and TSPs retain flexibility in determining tariffs, subject to ensuring meaningful consumer choice.

 

TRAI’s rationale

• Despite the twelfth amendment, TSPs had not offered Voice-and-SMS-only STVs across a sufficient range of validity periods.
• Consumers who do not require data services should not be compelled to purchase bundled packs, and greater STV availability would promote affordability and inclusivity.
• The revised framework balances consumer interests with the commercial flexibility of TSPs.

 

TRAI launches Digital Connectivity Rating platform

On September 25, 2026, TRAI launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (“DCR”) platform. The platform is an online system for the full process of rating how well properties are connected, and it comes with a mobile app for testing connectivity. It puts into practice the TRAI (Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity) Regulations, 2024. Those regulations were amended by the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulation, 2026, notified on May 13, 2026. The platform also follows the rating process in TRAI’s Rating Manual 2026, issued on June 9, 2026. Ratings are based on set parameters covering fibre readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions and Wi-Fi infrastructure, with benchmarks that vary by property category.

The platform connects property managers, registered Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (“DCRA”) and consumers in one place. The property managers can register public, government, commercial and private properties, file rating applications, choose a registered DCRA and track progress, for both completed and under-construction properties. The DCRAs carry out assessments on the platform and use a dedicated mobile app to measure in-building connectivity. The platform also offers e-sign for certificates, online payment of rating fees, and secure storage of test results and audit logs. The consumers can search rated properties by name, certificate identification or location, and can check whether a certificate is genuine using the quick response code printed on it. The platform is available at https://dcrp.trai.gov.in.

 

TRAI vs. M/s Polimer Cable Network

In TRAI Vs. M/s Polimer Cable Network and Ors. [1], the Supreme Court of India (“Supreme Court”), , has allowed TRAI’s appeal and set aside the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (“TDSAT”) order dated March 10, 2010. The Supreme Court restored TRAI’s direction dated October 21, 2008, and Show Cause Notice dated February 19, 2009, issued to M/s Polimer Cable Network, a Multi-System Operator (“MSO”), for non-compliance with disconnection safeguards under the Interconnection Regulations, 2004.

The TDSAT had held that TRAI lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the dispute between the MSO and its affiliated local cable operators, as jurisdiction vested exclusively in the TDSAT under Section 14 of the TRAI Act, 1997. The Supreme Court held that TRAI’s direction to comply with a subsisting regulation is administrative and regulatory in character and does not constitute adjudication of the underlying contractual dispute.

The Court further held that a show cause notice under Section 34 of the TRAI Act, 1997 is a preparatory step towards prosecution, not an adjudication. TRAI may record a prima facie finding of non-compliance for enforcement, but adjudication of contractual disputes between service providers remains within the TDSAT’s exclusive jurisdiction.

 

This Prism has been prepared by:

Tony Verghese Partner

Radhika Gupta Partner

Uddhav Gupta Associate

 

For more details, please contact km@jsalaw.com.

 

[1] Civil Appeal No. 4359 of 2010 (decided on July 24, 2026)