Telcos can’t opt out of new service authorisation regime: Trai chairman

Telecom operators can continue to provide their services until their existing licences expire, but can’t opt out of the new service authorization regime brought in by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the regulatory body’s Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference on the new regime, Lahoti said Trai has mandated no timeline for telcos to seek a new authorization, stressing that it is voluntary. “Telcos can continue to operate under the existing licence as long as the validity of their licence lasts. When the licence validity expires, they have no option.