9/7/2014

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

Law Articles - India's Most Authentice Free legal Source Online

Hom e

To p R a te d

Su b m i t Arti cl e

Ad va n ce d Se a rch

FAQ

Co n ta ct U s

L a w ye rs i n In d i a

R SS Fe e d s

L a w Fo ru m

R e g is te r y o ur Co p y rig ht Online
W e offer c opyright registration right from your desk top c lic k here for details.

Latest Artic les | Artic les 2013 | Artic les 2012 | Artic les 2011 | Artic les 2010 | Artic les 2009 | Artic les 2008 | Artic les 2007 | Artic les 2006 | Artic les 2000-05
Search On:

Laws in India
Searc h

Main Categories

Mutual Consent Div orc e in Delhi

We provide fast, cost effective and Hassle free solution.
Contact us at Ph no: 9650499965 (Divorce Law Firm Delhi)

Enter KEYWORD here to find articles...

Search

E-mail login

Password

Login

Welcome!

Advanced Search

Banking and Finance laws

Case Laws
Civil Laws
Company Law

Please login or register a new

free account.

T e le c o mmunic a tio n la ws in Ind ia a nd its d ra wb a c k s ( Save as .pdf )

Published : June 17, 2014 | Author : shreya.mazumdar
Category : Cyber Law | T otal Views : 679 | Rating :

Print |

Email to friend

Constitutional Law
Consumer laws
Contracts laws
Criminal law
Dubai laws
Environmental Law
family law
Human Rights laws
Immigration laws
Insurance / Accident Claim
Intellectual Property
International Law
Juvenile Laws
Law - lawyers & legal
Profession
Legal outsourcing
Media laws
Medico legal
Miscellaneous
Real estate laws
Tax Laws
Torts Law

T e le c o mmunic a tio n la ws in Ind ia a nd its d ra wb a c k s

shreya.mazumdar
4th year LL.B. from Christ
University, Bangalore
Email:

The telecom sector in India is more than one hundred and sixty five years old and
until 1950 postal means were the only way of communication in India . It was in the
year 1950 that electric telegraph started for first time in India between Calcutta
shreya.mazumdar@legalserviceindia.com
(Kolkata) and Diamond Harbor (suburbs of Kolkata) and it was in the year 1851 it
View articles | Contact author
was open for the use of the British East India Company and subsequently the
electric telegraph wires were established throughout India. In the year 1854 a separate department was open for
public . With the passage of time in 1883 telephonic services merged with the postal systems. The Indian Telegraph
Act, 1885 is one of the oldest Legislations still in effect in India and the Act to amend the law relating to telegraphs in
India . In the later years after the independence all foreign telecommunication companies were nationalized to form the
Posts, Telephone and Telegraph (PTT). PTT was a government body governed by the Ministry of Communication . Till
1984 the Indian telecom sector was entirely under the ownership of the
government when the private sector was only used for the
manufacturing. In order to make a concrete effort towards the
development of research and development in the telecom sector the
government set up an autonomous body- Centre for Development of
Telematics (C- DOT) . It was in the year 1984 C-DOT was set up for the
development of the state of the art telecommunication technology to
meet the growing need of the Indian telecommunication network . The
entire evolution of the telecom sector started only after the government
separated the postal and the telephonic services by setting up the
Department of Posts and Department of Telecommunication (DoT) . The
Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, 1933 was enacted the possession of
wireless telegraphy apparatus and the possession of wireless telegraphy
apparatus by person can only be allowed in accordance with a license
issued by the telecom authority and it also levied penalties if any wireless
telegraphy apparatus is held without a valid license.

http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

Random Pick
The preamble of
the Indian
constitution basically
aims to secure to
the people of India
justice socio
economic and political. His Lordship Justice
P.N. Bhagwati aptly stated that legal aid
means providing an arrangement in the
society which makes the machinery of
administration of Justice easily accessible
and in reach of those who have to resort to
it for enforcement of rights given to them by
law...
full story | send to friend

Statistics
Total Articles

936

Total Authors

2453
5587414

Total Views
Total categories

29

Law Forum

1/8

9/7/2014

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

Woman Issues

Workplace Equality & NonDiscrimination

Yet Another Category

More Options
Most read articles
Most rated articles

Subscription
Subsc ribe now and rec eiv e free
artic les and updates instantly.
Name
Email

Remove

Subscribe

Copyright Registration
T o Copyright Your Book s, Videos,
Songs, Sc ripts etc
Call us at: 9891244487 / or email at:
admin@legalserviceindia.com
T op Law Colleges

La w U p d a te s :
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#

Inc ome-T ax
Family law
Company Law
Constitutional Law
Partnership firms
Immigration Law
Cyber Law
Lok Adalat, legal Aid & PIL
Forms
T rademark s
W oman issues
Medic o Legal
Consumer laws
Criminal laws
Supreme Court Judgments

1990s was an era of opening up of government for private investment for

telecom sector by the government. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India (TRAI) was setup in 1995 and this reduced the interference of the
government in deciding tariffs and policy making . The highlighting
change that took place was that the Government of India corporatized
the operational wing of DoT in the year 2000 and renamed it Department
of Telecom as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) . In last 10 years
many private operators especially foreign investors successfully entered
the high potential Indian telecom market .
TRAI Act 1997
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act was enacted in 1997
whose Chairperson was to be a sitting or retired Judge of the Supreme
Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court and the members were the
person having special knowledge of and personal experience in
telecommunication, industry, finance, accountancy, law, management and consumer affairs . There was a need that
was felt for the regulatory body after the entry of the private sector . TRAI was first established in the year 1997 in
pursuance of an TRAI (Ordinance) 1997 which was later replaced by an Act.

Re: Kolkata
Advocate
readyForum
to provide
Free
legal Advice
- lawyers
Legal advise
I filed 138 case against cheque bounce of
Rs. 6.0 lacs against a cheat promoter
about one and half years back at Alipore
Police Court thru' magistr...
Sep 6, 2014 6:30:22 AM
Re: Cheque bounce case
I filed 138 case against cheque bounce of
Rs. 6.0 lacs against a cheat promoter
about one and half years back at Alipore
Police Court thru' magistr...
Sep 6, 2014 6:27:40 AM
Re: cheque bounce case
Sir, I filed 138 case against cheque bounce
of Rs. 6.0 lacs against a cheat promoter
about one and half years back at Alipore

The main point of establishment of TRAI was that it has some major recommendatory, regulatory and tariff setting
functions of TRAI which is to make recommendations on the need and timing for an introduction of the new service
provider on the terms and conditions of license to a service provider .TRAI is also empowered to adjudicate the
matters between the service providers or among the service providers and a group Consumer on the matters relating
to the technical compatibility and interconnection between the service provider and quality of telecommunication
services and interest of the consumers and ensures effective compliance of Universal Service Obligation, notify the
rates at which telecommunication services within India and outside shall be provided . TRAI has a license to provide
power to issue directions to the Service Provider and it is guided by the principle of natural justice and appeals from
the decisions of TRAI lay to the High Court.
In exercise of power conferred by proviso (k) to sub- section of Section 2 of the TRAI Act, the Central Government
under Notification No. SO 44(E) dated 9th January, 2004, had notified broadcasting and cable services to be
telecommunication services. The TRAI (Amendment) Act, 2000 led to the reconstituting of the authority.
TDSAT, Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal which was an Appellate Tribunal established by the
Central Government in May 2000 was to adjudicate between a licensor and a licensee between two or more service
providers or service providers and group of consumers and to hear and dispose of appeal against any direction,
decision or order of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and thus the Tribunal exercised both original and
appellate jurisdiction.
Largely Appellate Tribunal involved the cases related to interconnection which challenged the basis of computation of
license fee by the licensor, wrongful levy and charges of royalty and license fee for frequency allocation, blocking of
calls by one group or service providers, dispute relating to default traffic, challenges to tariff fixed by TRAI etc .
T ussles between T RAI and DoT
TRAI enthusiastically sided for its regulatory jurisdiction and fought for a seat at the decision making table in all
important policies and regulatory matter . TRAIs first chairperson was Justice SS Sodhi and his authority was resolute,
engaging and insisting in promoting an autonomous regulatory agenda . Giving an affirmation to its statutory
jurisdiction TRAI told DoT that it should be consulted before the government took any major regulatory or licensing
decision. DoT ignored the request and proceeded with making certain decision which was certain key policy and
licensing decision as it was stated that it was not used to taking orders from other agencies and thus they took
decisions without consulting the Authority.
The consequence of DoT not going with the request made by TRAI was to that effect that the decision of DoT was
challenged by the effected parties before TRAI by invoking the Authoritys statutory dispute-resolution jurisdiction.

http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

2/8

9/7/2014

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

DoTs contention was that the decision was illegal because they were made without mandatory prior consultation with
TRAI . In addition to that various preliminary objections regarding TRAIs competence to entertain the case was put in
question. TRAI did not focus on the questions laid down by DoT which was ignored by the preliminary objective and
proceeded to hear the cases on merits . In the case of Aircel Digilink v. Union of India TRAI ruled that DoT must
provide private cellular licensees with greater interconnection access to the Departments fixed networks . This
decision added fuel to the fire and DoT was outraged by the decision and it marked the beginning of an antagonistic
relation between DoT and TRAI . Further the Authority restrained DoT from encashing bank guarantee of cellular
licensees that had not paid their license fees and in addition to that the Authority reversed DoTs orders that
unilaterally raised fixed to cellular tariffs in non metropolitan areas .
The Delhi High Courts decision in MTNL-I substantially curbed TRAIs regulatory authority and Microwave
Communication placed a huge question over TRAIs role as an effective independent regulator of telecom service .
The entry of 2000 Amendment was to straighten the mess that questioned TRAIs credibility and independent
regulatory competence which was to clarify the extent of TRAIs statutory power and strengthening the Authoritys
reputation as an independent regulator . It was the creation of TDSAT which was a remedial achievement of the 2000
Amendment . The amendment refrained from making any changes to the prevailing licensing framework which was a
bone to pick between DoT and TRAI . Although the amendment ensured that the government would have to seek
TRAIs recommendation in certain licensing matters but it did nothing to dilute the governments power to issue, modify
and revoke licenses.
Government Control Over T RAI
There are three ways in which the government exercises control over TRAI that is; firstly, section 25 enables the
Central Government to issue binding directions to TRAI from time to time . Secondly, the Authoritys funding is largely
derived through grants made available to the government. Thirdly the government can make rules under Section 35 of
the TRAI Act on a wide variety of subjects and these rules are binding on the Authority .
Section 25 of the Act authorizes the Central Government to issue directions to TRAI for the following :
1. Indias sovereignty and integrity;
2. State security;
3. Friendly relation with foreign states
4. Public order;
5. Decency; and
6. Morality.
Section 25(2) states that the government matters are binding on TRAI with respect to policy matters . Section 25(3)
that it is on the Central Government to decide whether a question is a policy one . This provision gives the Central
Government the final say on all policy decision. TRAI must be given an opportunity to express its view before a
direction is issued .
Section 25 is considered to be the birth defect in the TRAI Act as it does not fulfill the underlying legislative intent to
establish an independent regulator for telecom sector . It had been suggested to the government that Section 25
hardly enabled the government to convey its policy vision to TRAI . Though this did not explain the reason as to why
the governments position on policy question must prevail over the independent regulators opinion in all cases.
Relationship With T DSAT
TRAI enjoyed both regulatory and adjudicatory power and it had original jurisdiction to adjudicate dispute among
service providers and dispute between service providers and consumers. After the birth of TDSATs creation in 2000,
TRAI lost its dispute- resolution jurisdiction. Thus now in order to resolve a dispute arising in the telecom sector the
Authority is required to defer to the Tribunal. It was before the 2000 amendment that the TDSATs original jurisdiction
to hear and decide dispute is much broader and serene than TRAIs adjudicatory body. With this the Tribunal also has
the appellate competence to review TRAIs direction, decision and orders. In the case of BSNL v. TRAI it was held that
since the 2000 Amendment took stripped TRAI of its dispute resolution powers the Authority cannot require service
providers to seek its intervention if dispute arises among them. The jurisdiction to hear dispute and appeal now vests
exclusively with TDSAT as the sole judicial authority in the communication sector.
The Tribunals appellate jurisdiction over the Authority is founded in Section 14(b) of the TRAI Act and that provision
gives TDSAT the ability to hear and dispose of appeal against any TRAI directions, decision, or order made under the
statute. The decisions given by TRAI which is appealable to TDSAT, cannot be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor
http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

3/8

9/7/2014

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

General of India though TDSAT cannot compel TRAI to enact a particular regulation or a direction.
Drawbacks
1. The main focus of the General Assembly in the development in the field of information and telecommunications is
mostly relating to the situation and the context of international security . The international law on the
telecommunication sector mostly deals with the sphere of information security and possible cooperation measures to
address them . It also includes the concept aimed at strengthening the security of global information and
telecommunication systems . In comparing the laws to an Indian telecommunication perspective, the telecommunication
law does not exclusively deal with something like telecommunication in the context of national security. But there are
other laws like the Information Technology Act which deals with the concept of cyber space.
The reason to focus on Information and communication technologies (ICTs) because of the complex interconnectivity
of telecommunication and the Internet and any ICT device can be the source or target of increasingly sophisticated
misuse . The growing use of ICTs in critical infrastructure creates new vulnerabilities and opportunities for disruption in
the growing field of mobile communication devices and web run services.
There are various factors which fuel the growth of telecom sector which includes increased access to services owing to
launch of technologies like 3G and BWD, better devices, changing consumer behavior and the emergence of cloud
technologies and majority of investment goes into the capital expenditure for setting up newer networks like 3G and
developing the transmission . Though Indian telecom is fast growing and every aspect is becoming more global but the
telecom laws are in India follows a different line as compared to the International Laws. Challenge is the need to
expand tele-density and a preparation for introduction of new technology and services . Authorities must devise
protocols for third and fourth generation networks and as well as establish and implement a sound, transparent
spectrum policy, which is the need for the hour.
2. The independence of TRAI has often been challenged, and the reason is the political barriers to such
independence are quite evident from a study of the sectors regulatory history as a relation between the government
and the TRAI have been characterized by rough ride.
Regulators also need to be transparent and accountable to customers and the focus of a regulator is to defend and
promote consumers choice, welfare and quality of service . TRAI had made an effort to gather participation by
regularly consulting consumer group among other things but consumer participation is lacking as mostly service
providers attend these meeting and very few consumer group participate actively . TRAI is not authorized to impose
penalties and thus all directives are not followed by the operators . Since there is insufficient spectrum to meet the
requirements of the existing operators which is a question mark for the new applicants, an efficient, fair approach is
manifested in the interest of the telecom industry . The sector is mostly seen as a region of growing complexity in the
network by the segmentation of market into fringe areas and niches that cater to different group of customers and
heightened role of technological innovation in driving change .

Conclusion
The Telecom sector still has to focus on the infrastructure facility and it may follow the International principle of global
development as the 3G and 4G is the need of the hour. Therefore there has to be a sound, spectrum policy which is
needed to control. With the increasing complexity of interconnection between the telecom and internet the information
and communication technologies can be a source of sophisticated misuse which also has to be taken care of.
The next focus is on TRAI which has been the area stuck in the cobwebs of political barriers. There is a need that the
regulators are supposed to be transparent and accountable to customers and the focus of the regulator is to defend,
promote consumers choice and quality. There is still an insufficiency in the spectrum for the existing operators. There
is still a region of complexity in the segment of market for the network.
*********************************
[10] Id.
[11] Supra Note 1.
[12] Manjul Bajpai, Telecom Law and Telecom Dispute Settlement Mechanism in India- A Birds Eye
View(November,11, 2011) http://www.tdsat.nic.in/New Compendium19.11.2008/roman_V_1/Manjul_1-36.pdf
http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

4/8

9/7/2014

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

[13] Id.
[14] Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) Act1997, http://www.dot.gov.in/act-rules/telecom-regulatory-authorityindiatrai-act-1997(last visited on 30 Feb, 2014)
[15] Id.
[16] Supra note 12
[17] Supra note 13.
[18] Supra note 12.
[19] Supra note 13.
[20] Supra note 13
[21] Id.
[22] RAGHAVAN VIKRAM, COMMUNICATION LAW IN INDIA 174(Lexis Nexis Butterworths, 1st ed. 2007).
[23] Id.
[24] Id.
[25] Id.
[26] Id.
[27] Id.
[28] Id.
[29] Id.
[30] Id. note at 182.
[31] Id.
[32] Id.
[33] Id.
[34] Id. note 183.
[35] Supra note 22 at 189.
[36] Id.
[37] Id.
[38] Id.
[39] Id.
[40] Id.
[41] Id.
[42] Id.
[43] Id.
[44] Id. at 190.
[45] Development in the field of Information and telecommunications in the field of International Security, (Dec, 2011),
www.un.org/disarmament/topics/informationsecurity
[46] Id.
[47] Id.
[48] Id.
[49] Id.
[50]Supra note 3
[51] R.U.S. Prasad, The Impact of Policy and Regulatory Decision on Telecom Growth in India(July,2008),
http://www.stanford.edu/group/siepr/cgibin/siepr/?q=system/files/shared/pubs/papers/pdf/SCID361.pdf
[52] Id.
[53] Vijay Vir Singh, Regulatory Management and Reform in India: Background paper for OECD, (2008),
http://www.oecd.org/gov/regulatory-policy/44925979.pdf
[54] Id.
[55] Id.
[56] Id.
[57] Supra note 24
[58] Id.
The author can be reached at: sh re ya . ma zu md a r@le g a lse rv ice in d ia . co m

This article has been Awarded Certificate of

Excellence for Original Legal Research work by our
Penal of Judges

http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

5/8

9/7/2014

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

1
Rate this artic le!

Poor

Excellent

Rate Now!

Call Of Paper
iosrjournals.org
Publish Your Research Article In International Journal:IOSR JOURNALS
Lawyers in India
V.V. Associates, Chennai Advocates
V.V. Associates: We are a Chennai based law firm having domain expertise in various fields viz. banking, bankruptcy, civil, consumer,
contract, cop...
May 6, 2014 6:59:50 PM
Advocate Xavier Felix, Chennai
I'm Advocate Xavier Felix specializing in Civil, criminal services, constitution, preventive detention laws, TADA , POTA, NDPS,Indirect
taxes, Cust...
Mar 8, 2014 11:49:54 PM
Preetisingh Pardeshi (Advocate)
Preetisingh Pardeshi (Advocate): I am practicing independently and aims to provide the best possible legal advice, guidance and
service relating to...
Feb 15, 2014 2:21:17 PM
KV Bhashyam Chari & Associates
KV Bhashyam Chari & Associates: is a multi dimensional service Law Firm. It was established in the year 2008. The founder of the

Most viewed articles in Cyber Law category

Online Copyright Infringement & Liability of Search Engines
Offences & Penalties under the IT Act, 2000
Issue of Jurisdiction in Combating Cyber Crimes: Issues and Challenges Pornography and Indian Jurisdiction
Cyber Torts
White Collar Crimes - cyber crimes
Software Licensing Agreement
Email Privacy & Anti-spam Law
Historical Perspective of Terrorism & Cyber Terrorism
Cyber Forensics & Electronic Evidences: Challenges In Enforcement & Their Admissibility
Cyber Crime - Issues Threats and Management
Keyword Trademark Infringement - A Countrywise Analysis
Perspective of Information Technology
Virtual Worlds-A Real Problem
Internet Censorship
Cyber Offences - A Technological Termite
Cyber Terrorism - Quick glance

http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

6/8

9/7/2014

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

Most recent articles in Cyber Law category

Data Privacy And Cyber Security Policies Shaping The Legal Outsourcing Landscapes In India
Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks
A Clarion Call To BPOs In India
Social Media Governance In India
Prevention of Cyber Crime
Issue of Jurisdiction in Combating Cyber Crimes: Issues and Challenges Pornography and Indian Jurisdiction
Cyber Crime: Default in success of conviction due to lack of jurisdiction
Cyber Offences - A Technological Termite
Cyber Terrorism - Quick glance
Data Protection and Outsourcing
Cyber Torts
Cyber Forensics & Electronic Evidences: Challenges In Enforcement & Their Admissibility
Internet Censorship
Importance of Open Source Software for better E-Governance
Keyword Trademark Infringement - A Countrywise Analysis
Offences & Penalties under the IT Act, 2000

Article Comments
there are no c omments...

Post Your Comments

Name

Note : Your email address is only visible to admin, other members / users
cannot see it.

Email

You c an use following FXCodes

BOLD : [b]
Italic : [i]

Your comments

[b] Legal Services India [/ b] is a [i]nice website[/ i].

[url= http:/ / www.legalservicesindia.com/ article/ ]click here to visit.[/ url]
Legal Serv ic es India is a nice website.
Click here to visit

Post now
Note : Currently, user comments are moderated and will be posted only after approval.

Lawyers in India- Click on a link below for legal Services

lawyers in Chennai
lawyers in Allahabad
lawyers in Ahmedabad
lawyers in Janjgir
lawyers in Ranchi
lawyers in Lucknow

http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

lawyers in Bangalore
lawyers in Jodhpur
lawyers in Cochin
lawyers in Pondicherry
lawyers in Hyderabad
lawyers in Jaipur

For Mutual c onsent Div orc e

in Delhi
Click Here
Ph no: 9650499965

For online Copyright

Registration
c lic k here
Ph no: 9891244487

7/8

9/7/2014
lawyers in Delhi - New Delhi
lawyers in Chandigarh
lawyers in Noida
lawyers in Nashik

Telecommunication laws in India and its drawbacks

lawyers in Kolkata
lawyers in Rajkot
lawyers in Surat
lawyers in Indore

lawyers in Mumbai
lawyers in Thane
lawyers in Pune
lawyers in Nagpur

TOP
H o m e | Ab o u t U s | Pri va cy | Te rm s o f u se | F A Q | D i vo rce b y m u tu a l co n se n t | L a w ye rs | Su b m i t a rti cl e | S C Ju d g m e n ts | Co n ta ct U s

India's Most Trusted Online law library

Legal Services India is Copyrighted under the Registrar of Copyright Act ( Govt of India) 2000-2014
ISBN No: 978-81-928510-1-3

http://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/telecommunication-laws-in-india-and-its-drawbacks-1670-1.html

8/8