Telecom Commission to keep close track of Trai recommendations

Move is to ensure a decisive govt response within a defined time span

Recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) would mandatorily have to be through the Telecom Commission (TC), the highest decision-making body in the department of telecommunications (DoT). This is to ensure a decisive response in a time frame. It is in line with a recent communication of the DoT. All policy recommendations would immediately be referred to the TC member concerned or the additional secretary in DoT. Then, the DoT's views would have to be placed before the telecom secretary for approval, in 60 days of receipt of Trai's recommendations, according to the communication.

On the other hand, the DoT ruled out the proposed change to the Trai Act for speedy action. "Prescribing a time frame is not warranted as long as the manner and time frame are laid down through instructions. Since Trai can file recommendations suo motu or when asked by the government, it will not be possible always to take a view in a prescribed time frame, since the need and complexity of the subject matter will determine the time required," the communication said. But, if the recommendation requires reference back to the regulator, and the DoT wing concerned needs more time, it may seek the TC's permission for such an extension, citing reasons.

In the recent past, there have been several instances, including Trai's recommendation on Code Division Multiple Access spectrum pricing, where the DoT and the regulator did not agree, and the DoT is yet to take a final call in the matter. DoT is also sitting on Trai's recommendation on trading of spectrum for several months.