Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) have opposed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) proposal to have more stringent provisions for improving the quality of service (QoS).
The telcos have opposed the shift to monthly reporting of QoS data, adding that it will be a humongous exercise with no desired end-result in improving QoS. In addition, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has questioned the intent of the consultation stating that quality of experience also depends on the device ecosystem, apps, quantum of spectrum available, backhaul, and right of way issues, which have not been considered in the regulations.
Further, Jio also opposed the penalties proposed in the draft regulations, terming them too high. The telco asked for creating a working group to study the QoS issue further. Telcos also assured that 5G industrial use-cases through network slicing will not have any adverse impact on the consumer services.
However, consumer advocacy groups have backed TRAI in demanding guardrails that hold telcos accountable for QoS, prompting telcos and telecom associations to oppose the draft regulations.
Furthermore, the regulator has asked stakeholders to send more comments by April 22, 2024.
