In a significant move towards shaping the future of India’s digital and telecom infrastructure, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has officially responded to a back-reference from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding its earlier recommendations dated 17th February 2025. This exchange is part of a larger regulatory and policy effort to define the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, a landmark legislation that seeks to streamline and modernize India’s telecom landscape.
The response, issued on 13th August 2025, aligns with the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a nationwide initiative commemorating 75 years of India’s independence and celebrating progressive reforms that empower the nation’s growth trajectory. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, is one such reform, poised to replace archaic laws and foster innovation, investment, and efficiency in the telecom sector.
Background of the Consultation Process
The DoT, through a formal reference dated 26th July 2024, had sought TRAI’s recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997. The focus was on establishing clear and effective terms for entities seeking authorization to establish, operate, maintain, or expand telecom networks under the new legal framework. Later, an addendum dated 17th October 2024 further requested TRAI to include recommendations on authorisation for satellite communication networks under Section 3(1)(b) of the Act.
Following an extensive stakeholder consultation process, TRAI submitted its comprehensive recommendations to DoT on 17th February 2025. These covered licensing norms, fees, technical obligations, and provisions to enhance competition, innovation, and universal access, including satellite connectivity.
DoT’s Back-Reference and TRAI’s Response
On 3rd July 2025, DoT issued a back-reference under Section 11(1) of the TRAI Act, seeking reconsideration of certain elements of TRAI’s recommendations. The government had reached a prima facie conclusion that some parts of the original recommendations either required modification or could not be accepted in their current form.
In response, TRAI carefully analysed the government’s observations and submitted its reconsidered recommendations. These responses aim to bridge the policy objectives of the government with the principles of fair, transparent, and sustainable telecom regulation. Importantly, TRAI’s detailed reply has been made publicly available on its official website (www.trai.gov.in), ensuring transparency in the policy-making process.
Looking Ahead: Enabling Future-Ready Telecom Infrastructure
This consultation and review cycle between TRAI and DoT reflects a mature regulatory ecosystem, where dialogue and feedback loops are institutionalised. As India moves into the 5G era and prepares for 6G, clarity and consistency in network authorisation frameworks are critical. This ensures that investments, both domestic and international, are channelled into building robust, secure, and affordable telecom services for all.