MANU/TRAI/0090/2017

Department/Board : Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

Press Release No. : 84/2017

Date : 09.10.2017

TRAI releases Consultation Paper on "Next Generation Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) communication networks"

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Consultation Paper on "Next Generation Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) communication networks".

2. Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) communications supports a wide range of services related to day to day life of public such as maintenance of law and order, protection of life and property, disaster relief and emergency responses.

3. The advancement of the technology has provided PPDR networks with latest and enhanced features in terms of capability, capacity and interoperability. Broadband PPDR supports wide range of applications such as sending live images, videos and texts apart from the voice communications. Existing PPDR networks in the country are analog and digital systems supporting narrowband voice and data communications. Introduction of advanced PPDR communication networks can be a great enabler in decision making and handling of PPDR operations for personnel and organizations involved.

4. Keeping in view the need to have a robust policy framework for the introduction of an advanced, reliable, robust and responsive PPDR communication system in the country, the Authority, consequent upon powers conferred upon it, under section 11 (1)(a)(ii) and (vii) of the TRAI Act 1997 (as amended), has initiated suo-motu a Consultation Paper (CP) on `Next Generation Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) communication networks' for the comments of the stakeholders.

5. The consultation paper has elaborated on the issues and shortcoming with existing PPDR networks, features of Next Generation PPDR networks, technical specifications and spectrum availability and future requirements. Execution models prevailing in various countries for Next Generation PPDR network have been deliberated and included in this consultation paper as international practices. The consultation paper has beer. placed on TRAI's website.

6. Written comments/inputs on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper are invited from the stakeholders by 20th November, 2017 and counter-comments by 4th December, 2017.

7. The comments and counter-comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form at a........