J S Sarma, Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authory of India (TRAI) said that, TRAI has started consultation for the 4G (fourth generation) telecom services. TRAI would look into the various aspects, including spectrum band to be allotted for 4G service and quantum and modes of allotment to the operators. TRAI will soon issue a consultation paper that would throw various questions for the industry and other stake holders to deliberate culminating into recommendations by the TRAI. Read full story »

TRAI to set up online customer redressal mechanism. Any customer can log on to the web-based system and complaints, violations or any other grievance against their mobile operator. The mobile operator will immediately get the complaint. TRAI may include SMS-based and voice call based complaints as well. The process will begin next month and plans to have the platform working from the beginning of next fiscal year. Read full story »

TRAI proposes to retain the current 10-digit format for mobile numbers, and open up 2 to 7 series for mobile numbers. With this plan, mobile phone numbers will remain the same, and existing landline numbers will be migrated to 10-digits across the country. Currently, over 90% of the mobile numbers begin with 9 and the rest with 8. TRAI proposal will open up all levels except numbers beginning with the digit ‘1’, which will be reserve for emergency services, toll free numbers and for government-related issues. Read full story »

Department of Telecom’s (DoT) technical arm, Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) has recommended to amend the National Numbering Plan 2003 for migration to 11-digit numbering plan in mobile services by prefixing digit ‘9′. Read full story »

as against the prevailing pulse system is facing stiff opposition from the telecom industry, according to the ToI Report. In the pulse system that India presently follows, consumers are charged for a full minute of airtime even if the call terminates before this. Read full story »