Trai to roll out caller ID for mobile calls
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is set to roll out its mobile phone users caller identity system, powered by KYC (know your customer) details within the next two to three weeks, as well as explore new regulatory frameworks keeping in view the “scenario of multiple screens, same content”, chairperson PD Vaghela said on Wednesday.
The caller identity system will make it possible for people to know who is calling them, and effectively replace the popular Truecaller app.
Vaghela added that the regulatory and legal framework needs to keep pace with new developments in order to ensure not only smooth adoption of the new technologies but also protection of state and consumer interests.
“The primary area which requires attention of the regulatory regime is the convergence of the content. Today, the same content is available on television, smart connected screen as well as smartphones. Owing to the difference in the distribution mechanism on these platforms, they pose a regulatory challenge. Therefore, in the new technological world of convergence, we need to deliberate on the possible alignment of regulatory regime keeping in view the scenario of ‘multiple screens, same content’,” Vaghela said.
Speaking at the at Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’S Big Picture Summit, Vaghela pitched for light-touch regulation that ensures a level playing field, fosters innovation, yet protects the rights of customers.
“We, at Trai are well aware of the challenges. Recently we have received references from the government for OTT based services and on matters arising due to convergence. Our experts are studying these issues with a view to create a level playing field among various service provisioning mechanisms. Our objective will be to introduce a light touch framework that irons out the inconsistencies created by technological disruptions. We cannot have regulatory imbalance between conventional technologies of yesteryear and new technologies. Yet, at the same time we should not stifle innovation and competition. At Trai, we believe in policies and regulations that are technology neutral.”
The plan to introduce amendments to its tariff and interconnection policies, reflects the same approach, he added.
“Trai has observed the challenges faced by television broadcasting sector and we are trying to overcome the challenges by aligning our regulatory framework. Our recent consultation on tariff related issues for television channels (and bouquets) is a result of multiple discussions with each group of stakeholders -- broadcasters, multi-systems operators, DTH players and local cable operators,” he said. “Soon, we expect to issue the amendments to the tariff order and Interconnection regulations in line with our stated policy of light touch regulations.”
He added that the body expects the industry to respond with tariffs and prices that do not put undue burden on consumers.
In its last tariff amendments issued in 2020, Trai said that the maximum retail price, per month, of a pay channel shall, in no case, exceed the maximum retail price, per month, of the bouquet containing that pay channel.
India is the world’s second largest TV market after China with close to 230 million TV households.