International Telecom Regulators Conference by TRAI

October 17, 2024

The International Conference of Telecom Regulators, organized by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), took place in New Delhi. It was held alongside two major events—the World Telecom Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) and the India Mobile Congress (IMC-24). The event was opened by Dr. Pemmasani, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications and Rural Development. Several important figures from global organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and GSMA attended.

Theme and Purpose

The main theme of the conference was ‘Emerging Trends in Regulation’. This theme focused on discussing key issues related to new technologies and regulations in the telecom sector. Experts from all over the world shared their views, creating a space for exchanging ideas and learning from one another. The goal was to help telecom regulators stay updated on new developments and work together to solve challenges.

Conference Sessions

The conference had three main sessions:

Regulatory Perspective in Standardization: This session talked about the role of regulators in creating standards for the telecom sector. It discussed how standards can be used to regulate the industry, improve the quality of service, and protect consumers.

Regulatory Aspects of Satellite Communication and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): In this session, the focus was on the latest advancements in satellite communication and other non-terrestrial networks. It covered the technical and security challenges of these technologies, how they can be implemented, and their economic impact.

Regulatory Outlook of OTT Communication Services: This session focused on Over-The-Top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Netflix. The discussions revolved around how to regulate these services, protect consumers, and handle law enforcement concerns. There was a focus on the need for new regulations to manage OTT services effectively.

Participation and Engagement

The conference was well-attended, with over 150 participants from more than 30 countries, including telecom regulators, industry representatives, and international guests. The high level of participation showed how much global interest there is in telecommunications regulation.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

A key event during the conference was the signing of an MOU between Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology (CST) and TRAI. This agreement marks the beginning of collaborative efforts between the two countries on telecom regulation.

The conference ended with a call for global cooperation among telecom regulators. The participants emphasized the need for working together and sharing best practices to address the challenges posed by new and emerging technologies. The conference reinforced the importance of international dialogue and joint efforts in regulating the rapidly evolving telecom sector.

About TRAI

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was created in 1997 to regulate telecom services in India. Its main job is to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. While TRAI can recommend tariffs, it cannot enforce them. It also regulates broadband and cable services and has played a big role in creating a vibrant telecom market. One of TRAI’s key accomplishments is the National Telecom Policy of 2012 and updating mobile number portability regulations. TRAI regularly holds public consultations to engage with the industry and ensure that its regulations are well-informed and effective. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.

« Previous Post Next Post »