IT & Telecom Basic Compliance (DoT, TRAI)

The Indian IT and telecom sectors are subject to various regulations to ensure fair competition, consumer protection, and national security. This course covers the key compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Participants will gain insights into licensing requirements, telecom service standards, consumer protection laws, and the role of regulatory bodies in the telecom sector.

• To introduce the regulatory landscape for IT and telecom companies in India.
• To provide an understanding of DoT and TRAI guidelines for compliance.
• To explain telecom licensing processes, service quality standards, and consumer protection regulations.
• To offer practical insights into telecom operator obligations and the impact of regulations on business operations.

• Understand the role and responsibilities of DoT and TRAI in regulating the telecom sector.
• Learn about telecom licensing requirements, spectrum allocation, and service quality standards.
• Gain insights into compliance obligations related to consumer protection, data privacy, and security.
• Explore regulatory frameworks for telecom pricing, tariffs, and interconnection agreements.
• Discuss best practices for managing telecom compliance programs and responding to regulatory audits.

Module 1: Introduction to IT & Telecom Regulations in India

• Overview of the telecom regulatory framework in India.
• Key regulatory bodies: DoT (Department of Telecommunications), TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India).
• Objectives of telecom regulation: consumer protection, fair competition, and national security.
• Evolution of the Indian telecom sector and its regulatory journey.

Module 2: Role and Functions of DoT & TRAI

• Department of Telecommunications (DoT): Responsibilities and role in policy formulation, licensing, and spectrum management.
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): Responsibilities in telecom pricing, quality standards, and consumer protection.
• The relationship between DoT and TRAI in the regulation of telecom services.

Module 3: Telecom Licensing & Spectrum Allocation

• Licensing process for telecom operators: Eligibility, application, and approval procedures.
• Spectrum allocation and the role of DoT in managing telecom resources.
• Licensing conditions: Compliance with service quality standards, licensing fees, and national security protocols.
• Unified License regime and its implications for telecom operators.

Module 4: Service Quality Standards and Consumer Protection

• Service quality standards set by TRAI: call drops, network quality, and customer service.
• Consumer protection regulations: Handling complaints, refunds, and grievances.
• TRAI’s role in regulating telecom tariffs, transparency in billing, and pricing fairness.
• Telecom dispute resolution and the role of consumer forums.

Module 5: Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Compliance in Telecom

• Data privacy regulations for telecom service providers: personal data protection, user consent, and data storage.
• Cybersecurity standards in telecom networks: Ensuring network security and national data protection.
• TRAI and DoT guidelines for managing user data, data breaches, and cross-border data transfer.

Module 6: Interconnection & Tariffs

• Interconnection agreements: Requirements and compliance for telecom operators.
• Regulation of tariffs and pricing: TRAI’s role in pricing transparency, tariff setting, and price discrimination.
• The concept of number portability and the role of TRAI in ensuring consumer rights.

Module 7: Case Studies and Industry Best Practices

• Analysis of compliance failures and penalties in the telecom sector.
• Case studies on successful compliance programs in the telecom industry.
• Best practices for managing compliance, auditing telecom operations, and responding to regulatory changes.

• Compliance officers and legal professionals in telecom and IT industries.
• Telecom executives responsible for regulatory affairs and licensing.
• Operations managers in telecom service providers and network operators.
• Corporate lawyers specializing in telecom regulations.
• Students and professionals interested in telecom policy, regulatory affairs, and legal compliance.