Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

06.06.2016

Media and Communication

Consultation Paper on In-building Access by Telecom Service Providers

MANU/TRAI/0045/2016

TRAI released a paper analysing impediments faced by Telecom Service Providers laying telecom infrastructure in multi-storeyed buildings.

The discussion, encompassing myriad situations including residential complexes, calls for “efficient access” by TSPs to building facilities “on reasonable terms and conditions”.

Mandating infrastructure sharing between TSPs, prohibiting exclusive contracts and building norms for upcoming development are mulled as possible ways of enhancing consumer choice and ensuring unencumbered telecom access.

According to the Authority, in instances of TSPs requiring access to residential and commercial high-rises, hotels or airports, the arduous process of obtaining permission from the building owner or managing authority has meant dilatory tactics and unreasonable terms being imposed on TSPs.

Alternatively, either at the time of construction or at a later stage of development, only one TSP is permitted to lay infrastructure, eliminating competition and severely restricting choice for consumers. In either case those residing or functioning out of multi-storey have been deprived of telecommunications services.

TRAI is receiving comments on the Paper till 7 July 2016.

Tags : trai broadband access shared space commercial residential

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