Trai’s recommendations for the formulation of National Telecom Policy 2018 were released on Friday. Photo: Pradeep Gaur/MintNew Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Friday proposed a converged regulator for information and communications technology (ICT) and broadcast sectors and hence, integrated regulation for both, a move that has been opposed by the broadcast sector so far. In its recommendations for the formulation of National Telecom Policy 2018 released on Friday, Trai said that there should be an integrated regulation of ICT and broadcasting sector and that Trai itself should be restructured as a converged regulator for both. While information and broadcasting ministry is the nodal ministry for policy decisions, licensing and content regulation for the broadcast sector, Trai has powers to regulate tariff, interconnection and quality of services in the sector. In the recommendations, Trai proposed that delivery of broadcast services should be allowed using converged wireline and wireless networks, and cable TV networks should also be upgraded for delivery of converged broadcast and broadband services.

Source: Mint February 02, 2018 18:00 UTC