Clash Over Telecom Infrastructure Sharing Intensifies

The Department of Telecom has dismissed Trai's recommendations for passive infrastructure sharing among telecom service providers funded by public resources. Trai had suggested mandating USPs to share infrastructure with two additional providers. The discussion highlighted disagreements over spectrum sharing rules and lock-in periods.

The Department of Telecom has turned down the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) recommendation regarding passive infrastructure sharing, which was aimed at encouraging broader service coverage supported by public funds.

Last year, Trai had advised that universal service providers (USPs) should be required to share their infrastructure with at least two other operators on fair terms. However, the Department of Telecom (DoT) did not accept this suggestion, leaving the reasons unspecified.

The disagreement extends to spectrum sharing policies, especially concerning a two-year lock-in period. Trai adjusted its stance, proposing that spectrum sharing should occur only if 80% of spectrum holdings meet the lock-in condition.

(With inputs from agencies.)