On July 25, 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) took a significant step towards modernizing the telecommunications landscape by releasing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023 (02 of 2023). The primary objective of this regulation is to repeal the outdated Regulation on the quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 (4 of 2001). This move comes as a response to the rapid advancement in telecommunication technologies and the shift in consumer preferences towards high-speed broadband services.
The Purpose of the 2001 Regulation
The Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001, was introduced with the intent to ensure customer satisfaction in the early days of internet access. Dial-up was the primary means of connecting to the internet, and the regulation aimed to establish Quality of Service Parameters for dial-up and leased line internet access services. It required service providers to adhere to specific norms of network performance and protect the interests of subscribers.
Obsolescence of the 2001 Regulation
As time progressed, telecommunication networks underwent significant advancements, ushering in faster and more reliable internet technologies. With the emergence of xDSL, FTTH, LTE, and 5G, dial-up connections became outdated, giving way to high-speed broadband services. Consequently, the old quality of service norms prescribed in the 2001 regulation became irrelevant, as the focus shifted to broadband services.
Shifting Focus to Broadband Services
With the evolution of telecommunication technologies, broadband services have become the norm for internet access. These services offer greater speed, stability, and a more consistent user experience compared to dial-up connections. As a result, the industry shifted its attention to broadband, making the 2001 regulation impractical for governing modern internet access.
Leased Line Access Services and SLAs
Leased line access services, once a significant part of the internet infrastructure, are now primarily offered to enterprises by Internet Gateway Service Providers (IGSPs). These services are governed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that outline specific performance standards and commitments. The SLAs adequately address concerns regarding service quality, making the old regulation redundant for this particular segment.
Stakeholder Consultation and EoDB
In line with the principles of transparency and inclusivity, TRAI released the draft Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023, on April 03, 2023. Stakeholders from the industry, including service providers and consumers, were invited to provide their valuable feedback until April 17, 2023. After considering the feedback and weighing the aspect of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), TRAI made the decision to repeal the 2001 regulation.
Effective Date and Implications
The Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 (4 of 2001) will be officially repealed from the date of notification of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023 (02 of 2023) in the Official Gazette. This move frees Basic Service Operators and Internet Service Providers, including BSNL, MTNL, and VSNL, from the quality of service norms defined in the now-repealed regulation.