Daily Current Affairs : 28-July-2023
In recent news, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken a significant step by issuing the “Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023.” This regulation aims to repeal the “Regulation on Quality of Service of Dial-Up and Leased Line Internet Access Service, 2001” (4 of 2001). The decision comes as the previous regulation is no longer deemed relevant in the present context of rapidly evolving technology and the telecommunications industry.
Background of the Regulation
The “Regulation on Quality of Service of Dial-Up and Leased Line Internet Access Service, 2001” was put in place to address the needs of customers utilizing dial-up and leased line internet access services. It applied to all Basic Service Operators and Internet Service Providers, including prominent operators such as BSNL, MTNL, and VSNL. The primary objectives of the regulation were as follows:
- Ensuring Customer Satisfaction: The regulation sought to establish norms for network performance that service providers needed to meet through appropriate network dimensioning. This was to ensure that customers received satisfactory internet services without significant disruptions or performance issues.
- Monitoring Service Provider Performance: Regular monitoring of Quality of Service parameters was essential to assess and compare service providers’ performance against specified norms. This allowed for the identification of areas that required improvement and helped in maintaining service quality across the industry.
- Protecting Subscriber Interests: The regulation aimed to safeguard the interests of internet service subscribers by holding providers accountable for meeting defined quality standards. This protected consumers from subpar services and encouraged fair competition among service providers.
The Need for Repealing the Regulation
With the rapid advancements in technology and the telecommunications sector, the “Regulation on Quality of Service of Dial-Up and Leased Line Internet Access Service, 2001” has become outdated and insufficient in addressing the current challenges and demands of the industry. Several factors contribute to the need for repealing this regulation:
- Shift to Broadband and High-Speed Internet: Dial-up internet access, which was prevalent during the early 2000s, has now become obsolete. The majority of users have transitioned to broadband and high-speed internet services, which offer superior performance and user experience.
- Changing Consumer Expectations: Today’s consumers expect seamless and uninterrupted internet access with high speeds and reliability. The previous regulation, focused on dial-up services, does not adequately cater to these modern expectations.
- Emergence of New Technologies: The telecommunications landscape has witnessed the emergence of various innovative technologies like 4G, 5G, and fiber optics, which have revolutionized internet access. These advancements necessitate updated regulations that encompass these new technologies.
Benefits of Repealing the Regulation
The repeal of the outdated regulation brings several benefits to the telecommunications industry and consumers alike:
- Promoting Technological Advancements: By removing obsolete regulations, service providers are encouraged to invest in newer and more advanced technologies. This leads to improved services and better overall connectivity for consumers.
- Fostering Innovation and Competition: Repealing outdated regulations fosters a competitive environment, as service providers can now explore innovative approaches to deliver superior internet services. This competition benefits consumers, as companies strive to offer better deals and improved quality.
- Simplification of Regulatory Landscape: An updated regulatory framework helps streamline the telecommunications sector’s operations, making it easier for service providers to understand and comply with current norms.
Important Points:
- TRAI issued “Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023” to repeal the outdated “Regulation on Quality of Service of Dial-Up and Leased Line Internet Access Service, 2001” (4 of 2001).
- The previous regulation was no longer relevant due to the rapid advancements in technology and the telecommunications industry.
- The regulation applied to all Basic Service Operators and Internet Service Providers, including BSNL, MTNL, and VSNL.
- Objectives of the repealed regulation:
- Ensuring customer satisfaction by defining network performance norms for service providers.
- Monitoring service providers’ performance and comparing it against specified norms.
- Protecting the interests of internet service subscribers.
- The need for repealing the regulation:
- Shift to broadband and high-speed internet, making dial-up services obsolete.
- Changing consumer expectations for seamless and reliable internet access.
- Emergence of new technologies like 4G, 5G, and fiber optics.
- Benefits of repealing the regulation:
- Promoting technological advancements and investment in newer technologies.
- Fostering innovation and competition among service providers.
- Simplifying the regulatory landscape for better compliance.
- The decision supports the modernization of India’s telecommunications industry.
- The focus will be on adopting advanced technologies, meeting consumer expectations, and encouraging healthy competition.
- Improved internet services will benefit consumers and contribute to India’s digital connectivity goals.
Why In News
In a significant move, TRAI issued the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023, effectively revoking the outdated Regulation on quality of service of dial-up and leased line internet access service, 2001 (4 of 2001). This decision aims to foster innovation and pave the way for modern, efficient, and consumer-centric approaches to internet access in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
MCQs about TRAI Repeals Outdated Internet Service Regulations
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What is the purpose of the “Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Repealing Regulations, 2023”?
A. To introduce new regulations for internet service providers.
B. To modernize the telecommunications industry in India.
C. To enforce stricter quality of service standards for dial-up internet.
D. To expand the coverage of internet services in rural areas.
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Which service providers were affected by the repealed regulation?
A. Mobile Service Providers.
B. Basic Service Operators and Internet Service Providers.
C. Cable TV Operators.
D. Landline Telephone Providers.
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Why was the previous regulation considered irrelevant?
A. It favored incumbent operators over new players.
B. It focused on high-speed internet services, neglecting dial-up users.
C. It did not address the changing demands of the telecommunications industry.
D. It lacked penalties for service providers failing to meet quality standards.
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What benefits does the repeal of the outdated regulation bring?
A. Encouraging unfair competition among service providers.
B. Promoting investment in newer and more advanced technologies.
C. Focusing on dial-up internet services exclusively.
D. Complicating the regulatory landscape for service providers.
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