The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) yesterday released a new consultation paper on quality parameters of access service providers, while granting an extension for submissions relating to another discussion on OTT services

The new consultation paper is named ‘Review of Quality-of-Service Standards for Access Services (Wireless and Wireline) and Broadband (Wireless and Wireline) Services’ .

The regulator said that the TRAI Act, 1997 mandates the Authority to ensure the quality of service to protect the interest of the consumers of telecommunication services. 

The regulator yesterday said it has been receiving a number of complaints from the subscribers regarding call drops and other network related issues, especially after rollout of 5G services. 

“Upon detailed analysis of quarterly QoS performance reports, the Authority has noted that due to long performance assessment period of a quarter over a large area like LSA, there may be pockets or areas experiencing poor quality of service due to averaging effect while service providers are meeting overall QoS benchmark at LSA level. 

“Accordingly, to have a closer view of the status of QoS, the draft regulations propose monthly QoS performance reporting at State and UT level in addition to at LSA level. 

“The QoS parameters and benchmarks for voice and data services are technology agnostic in present regulations. The relevant terminology for 5G services has also been updated in draft regulations to monitor QoS performance of 5G,” it said.

To simplify the regulatory framework for QoS, it is proposed to have single regulation dealing with QoS standards for all voice and data services irrespective of their access medium — whether wireline or wireless services. 

“Accordingly, present three regulations are proposed to be merged into single regulation. In (the) above context and to address all relevant QoS related issues in a holistic manner, the Authority is issuing this consultation paper for seeking stakeholders’ comments,” it said.

OTT Paper Deadline Extended: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for submissions on a consultation paper on ‘Regulatory Mechanism for Over- The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services’. 

The new deadline for submissions is September 1, while counter-comments could be sent by September 15, the regulator said yesterday. The discussion paper was originally released on July 7.

“Keeping in view the request of stakeholders for further extension of time for submission of comments, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments and counter-comments,” the TRAi statement read.