TRAI Considers Expanding Virtual Network Operator Partnerships

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has invited views from stakeholders on enabling virtual network operators (VNOs) to tie up with more than one telecom operator for providing wireless and wireline services.

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Current Scenario

Currently, a VNO is permitted to partner with only one telecom operator for providing services that require numbering and unique customer identification, such as mobile connections.

Consultation Paper

TRAI has issued a consultation paper titled "Connectivity to Access Service VNOs From More Than one NSO network service operator" following a reference made by the Department of Telecom (DoT) based on representations from VNOs.

VNOs' Request

VNOs have requested the DoT to allow them to obtain connectivity from one telecom operator for wireline services and from another for wireless services.

Challenges Faced by VNOs

VNOs have highlighted that they face difficulties when a partner telecom operator provides only wireline services in a particular area. In such cases, VNOs are unable to offer wireless services in that area due to existing restrictions.

VNOs' Proposal

VNOs have proposed that their peers who intend to provide wireline services only should be allowed to take connectivity from more than one telecom operator. This is because, in some instances, partner telecom operators may not have services in certain areas where the VNO wants to operate.

TRAI's Invitation for Comments

TRAI has invited comments from interested parties by March 22, 2023, and counter-comments by April 5, 2023.

TRAI's consultation paper aims to gather stakeholder feedback on the issues related to connectivity to access service VNOs from more than one network service operator. The authority's decision on this matter will impact the operations and service offerings of VNOs in India.