TRAI Reaffirms Stand on Spectrum and Infrastructure Sharing

The Authority has reiterated and clarified its stance on these forward-looking reforms aimed at optimizing the use of existing telecom resources across the country.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a detailed response to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) following a back-reference regarding its earlier recommendations on the crucial subject of Telecommunication Infrastructure Sharing, Spectrum Sharing, and Spectrum Leasing. The Authority has reiterated and clarified its stance on these forward-looking reforms aimed at optimizing the use of existing telecom resources across the country.

Background of the Recommendations

The issue dates back to December 7, 2021, when DoT sought TRAI’s views under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, on whether sharing of core telecom network components — such as Mobile Switching Centres (MSC), Home Location Registers (HLR), and Intelligent Networks (IN) — could be permitted among telecom service providers.

This was followed by another reference from the DoT on February 10, 2022, which expanded the scope. Citing its earlier correspondence, DoT indicated a broader intent: to promote efficient resource utilization by allowing the sharing of all categories of telecom infrastructure and network elements among licensed service providers under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. In light of this, TRAI was requested to provide comprehensive recommendations.

Recognizing industry demand and the evolving dynamics of spectrum management, TRAI also included key issues related to inter-band spectrum sharing and spectrum leasing in its stakeholder consultations, thereby aligning the recommendations with global best practices and technological advancements.

Stakeholder Consultations and Initial Submission

Over several months, TRAI engaged with industry players, telecom operators, infrastructure providers, and technology experts to assess the feasibility and implications of a liberalized infrastructure and spectrum sharing framework. The extensive consultation process culminated in a set of detailed recommendations submitted to DoT on April 24, 2024. These covered a wide range of proposals:

• Permitting active sharing of core and non-core network components;

• Enabling inter-band spectrum sharing between licensees;

• Introducing a formal mechanism for spectrum leasing to enhance utilization and reduce entry barriers for smaller operators and new entrants;

• Ensuring that regulatory, security, and technical safeguards are maintained in the sharing processes.

Government’s Reconsideration and TRAI’s Response

However, on February 13, 2025, DoT sent a back-reference to TRAI, indicating that the Government had reached a prima-facie conclusion that some of the recommendations might not be acceptable or could require further modification. This reconsideration was made under the provisions of Section 11(1) of the TRAI Act, which allows the Government to refer recommendations back to TRAI if needed.

In response, TRAI has carefully re-examined its proposals and provided a detailed reply addressing the Government’s concerns. The Authority’s response reinforces the original recommendations, while offering further clarity and justification for the suggested regulatory shifts.

This response, now publicly available on TRAI’s official website (www.trai.gov.in), emphasizes the potential benefits of a more flexible and collaborative telecom infrastructure framework, including:

• Improved network quality and faster rollout of services;

• Enhanced rural and remote area connectivity;

• Cost savings and operational efficiency for telecom operators;

• A more competitive telecom market landscape benefiting consumers.

Contact for Clarification

For further information or clarification, stakeholders and the public may contact Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing), TRAI, at +91-11-20907758.

Looking Ahead

As India gears up for broader 5G rollout and digital transformation, the final decisions on infrastructure and spectrum sharing policies will have far-reaching implications. TRAI’s assertive reaffirmation signals its commitment to progressive regulation that fosters innovation, reduces redundancy, and paves the way for a robust, future-ready telecom ecosystem.