The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has amended licence regulations to allow active infrastructure sharing among telecom operators, including core networks.
Previously, tower infrastructure and electronic components within the network were shared among telcos.
Commenting on the development, Lt. Gen. Dr S.P. Kochhar, DG, COAI, said, “We welcome the amendment in licence conditions further enhancing sharing of active infrastructure between telecom operators. It was our long-pending ask. At present, active infrastructure sharing was allowed to TSPs only for antenna, feeder cable, node B and transmission systems. The allowing of sharing of core network elements such as MSC, HLR, IN etc. among the TSPs will reduce the cost for the TSPs and facilitate the faster rollout of services. This is a very progressive step which will go a long way in enhancing digital connectivity in India.”
Moreover, the DoT has amended commercial very small aperture terminal (VSAT) licence rules to enable the use of satellite connectivity to provide backend connectivity for mobile networks. Through this amendment, VSAT operators will be able to provide backhaul connectivity for cellular mobile services through satellite using VSAT to access service providers.
Additionally, the DoT has allowed the use of VSAT services for setting up Wi -Fi hotspots with backed connectivity.
