DoT is likely to allow niche operators which operate in small areas such as districts, to offer mobile and broadband services in the rural sector. TRAI had earlier proposed instituting this new category of operators in its recommendations for promoting rural telephony. Earlier, DoT had not been open to the idea of allowing niche operators due to the reasons that there was enough competition in the market with existing operators already rolling out services in rural areas. However, in a change of policy strategy, DoT is now looking to not only increase competition but also permit different types of operators in the country, including MVNOs. DoT has asked TRAI torecommend the policy guidelines under which these operators can be permitted.
