TRAI launches Network Anubhav platform

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched the Network Anubhav platform on November 4.

What is it for?

• It is a geospatial dashboard that combines consumer test data with its independent drive test results to help consumers compare networks by location and telecom operators identify areas for network improvement.

• User test data comes from TRAI’s MySpeed and MyCall apps. 

• The platform delivers insights on network parameters to consumers, telecom service providers (TSPs) and TRAI. 

• It also provides a web interface for Do Not Disturb (DND) services, which so far was available on mobiles.

What is the role of TRAI?

• The regulation of telecom services in India finds its genesis in the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which grants the central government exclusive privilege to establish telegraph services. 

• The government also has the power to grant licenses to other operators to carry on those services. Until the mid-90s, the government exercised a monopoly over this sector, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) being responsible for administering telecom services throughout the country.

• International telecom services were offered by Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (VSNL), a government-owned company.

• The National Telecom Policy, announced by the government in 1994 (NTP, 1994), sought to change this position by allowing for the participation of private entities. This led to the opening up of basic telecom services in addition to Value Added Services (VAS) such as cellular services and radio paging that had already been thrown open to private participation in 1992.

• The NTP, 1994 brought with it the inevitable need for an independent regulatory framework that would separate the government’s regulatory functions from its service-providing functions, in line with global best practices. 

• This led to the creation of the TRAI, with effect from February 20, 1997, pursuant to the provisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (TRAI Act). 

• The definition of “telecommunication services”, given under the TRAI Act, covers a range of sectors, including basic and cellular telecom services, provision of Internet access and broadcasting services. 

• TRAI was given the responsibility of regulating telecom services, including fixation and revision of tariffs, determining quality of service standards and fixing the terms and conditions for inter-connectivity between providers.

• The mission of the TRAI is to create and nurture conditions for the growth of the telecommunication and broadcasting sectors in the country, in a manner and at a pace, which will enable India to play a leading role in the emerging global information society.

• TRAI consists of one chairperson, two full-time members and two part-time members.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)