About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

 

• It was established by an Act of Parliament called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
• Purpose: To regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government.
• It is responsible for framing regulations, guidelines, and policies for the telecommunications sector in India. This includes setting rules related to tariffs, quality of service, and the allocation of spectrum.
• Composition:
  • It consists of a Chairperson and not more than two full-time members and not more than two part-time members.
  • The chairperson and the members of TRAI are appointed by the Central Government, and the duration for which they can hold their office is three years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Government Control over TRAI:
  • TRAI is not a completely independent telecom regulator.
  • Under section 25 of the Act, Central Government has the power to issue directions which are binding on TRAI.
  • The TRAI is also funded by the Central Government.
• The recommendations made by the TRAI are not binding on the Central Government.
• Central Government has to mandatorily ask for recommendations from TRAI with respect to the need and timing of new service providers and the terms and conditions of the licence to be granted to the service provider.
• TRAI also has the power to notify in the official gazette the rates at which telecommunication services are being provided in and outside India.

 

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Q1) What is Radio frequency spectrum?

The radio frequency (RF) spectrum, often referred to simply as the RF spectrum, is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that encompasses a wide range of radio frequencies. It includes all electromagnetic frequencies used for various forms of wireless communication, broadcasting, and transmission of information. The RF spectrum extends from the lowest radio waves to the highest microwave frequencies.

Source: TRAI to use AI to monitor, measure network quality