Trai moots cap on pre-launch subscriber numbers, test period

New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Regulator Trai today recommendedrules of network testing before an operator commerciallylaunches mobile services, proposing ...

New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Regulator Trai today recommendedrules of network testing before an operator commerciallylaunches mobile services, proposing clear limits on number oftrial subscribers to be onboarded and a 90-day period for thetest phase.

The issue of dos and dont's for network testing hadstirred up a storm in the industry after Reliance Jio amassedover 1.5 million users even before commercial launch of itsservices in early September last year.

The established operators had at that time cried foul andcharged the newcomer with offering full-fledged mobileconnection loaded with freebies in the guise of a triallaunch.

The incumbent operators had also demanded that the rulesof such trial service be clearly spelt out.

In its recommendations issued today, the TelecomRegulatory Authority of India (Trai) has suggested that whilean operator should be allowed to enrol test subscribers, thereshould be defined limits both in terms of number of testsubscribers in a service area and also duration of the testphase (90 days but extendable on valid grounds).

"There should be a limit of 90 days on the test phaseinvolving test subscribers. However, if the TSP (telecomservice provider) fails to conclude network testing due tovalid reasons, it may make a representation to the licensor,seeking additional time for network testing giving detailedjustification, which may be decided by the licensor on case tocase basis," it said.

The sector regulator has also proposed capping the numberof test subscribers to 5 per cent of installed networkcapacity for a service area, also called a telecom circle.

For this, the "service provider will submit the detailedcapacity calculations of the network to Department of Telecomand TRAI atleast 15 days before commencing enrolment of testsubscribers," it said.

An operator should be required to give prior intimationto the government and the regulator at least a fortnightbeforecommencing the enrolment of test subscribers, Trai has said inits latest recommendations.

Number porting facility should not be extended to networkin the test period, it said, adding that operators should alsotransparently inform subscribers about the scope of servicesthat will be offered in the trial phase as also thepossibility of sub-optimal level of network performance.

As per the rules proposed by Trai, telcos would also haveto inform their test subscribers about likely date ofcommercial launch, and waiver of all charges (fixed charge orusage based charge) during the test phase.

They would also have to inform subscribers that the portout facility would not be available till the services arecommercially launched.

The telecom watchdog has also stated that all licensingprovisions related to security and privacy, including ensuringverification of every customer before enrolment, protectionand privacy of communication, maintaining call record andlawful interception and monitoring will also have to be met bythe operator.

"...it is important that all applicable systems aretested before commencement of commercial service," Trai said,outlining its views on 'Network Testing before CommercialLaunch of Services'.

At present, there is no defined time period for networktesting before commercial launch of services by licensees.

Following the firestorm of controversy over networktesting, DoT had sought Trai's recommendations on the issueincluding enrolment of customers for testing, duration oftesting period, following which the regulator initiated theconsultation process in May this year. PTI MBIABM.

This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.

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