Telecom Regulatory Essentials (DoT & TRAI)

📘 Module 1: Introduction to Telecom Regulation in India (45 minutes)

📖 Section 1.1: Evolution of the Telecom Sector

• Historical context (pre-1990s monopoly to liberalization)
• Key reforms and policy milestones

📖 Section 1.2: Legal & Regulatory Framework

• Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
• TRAI Act, 1997
• Key amendments and judicial interpretations

📘 Module 2: Role and Functions of DoT (1 hour)

📖 Section 2.1: Overview of DoT

• Structure and departments (WPC, TERM Cells, TEC)
• Role under Ministry of Communications

📖 Section 2.2: Licensing and Spectrum Management

• Unified License regime
• Spectrum assignment (auction, liberalization)
• License conditions and migration

📖 Section 2.3: Infrastructure and Policy Development

• BharatNet and NDCP
• Right of Way (RoW) guidelines and challenges

📘 Module 3: Role and Powers of TRAI (1 hour)

📖 Section 3.1: Functions and Structure

• Advisory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial roles
• Relationship with TDSAT

📖 Section 3.2: Tariff Regulation

• Tariff for telecom and broadcasting
• Forbearance vs. regulation

📖 Section 3.3: Consumer Protection and QoS

• TRAI quality of service regulations
• Complaint redressal mechanisms
• Mobile Number Portability, DND registry

📘 Module 4: Licensing and Compliance (1 hour)

📖 Section 4.1: Unified Licensing Framework

• Service categories (Access, Internet, ILD, NLD, etc.)
• Migration to Unified License & VNOs

📖 Section 4.2: Regulatory Compliance

• Financial and operational compliance
• EMF norms, KYC, lawful interception

📖 Section 4.3: Penalties and Enforcement

• License breaches
• TERM Cell inspections and DoT audits

📘 Module 5: Digital India & Future Technologies (45 minutes)

📖 Section 5.1: Government Initiatives

• Digital India, BharatNet
• PM-WANI, 5G, Satellite policy

📖 Section 5.2: Regulatory Approaches to Emerging Tech

• OTT regulation debates
• Net neutrality enforcement
• Data protection under DPDP Act

📘 Module 6: Practical Case Studies & Policy Analysis (30 minutes)

📖 Section 6.1: Key Telecom Disputes

• AGR case: Supreme Court ruling & implications
• Vodafone tax case & retrospective amendment

📖 Section 6.2: TRAI Consultation Process

• How stakeholders participate
• Recent consultations: OTT, 5G, QoS reforms

📘 Module 7: Interactive Session – Challenges and Future Outlook (30 minutes)

📖 Section 7.1: Industry Challenges

• High spectrum cost
• Rural connectivity issues
• Regulatory unpredictability

📖 Section 7.2: Future Directions

• Convergence of telecom, broadcast & IT laws
• Global benchmarks adapted to Indian context

🚀 Gain strategic insights into India’s telecom regulation and prepare for the digital communication era.