The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that infrastructure status be granted to the broadcast and cable sector, as well as to submarine cable laying and repair in Indian Territorial Waters and Exclusive Economic Zones. Additionally, the TRAI suggested that Cable Landing Stations in India be classified as ‘critical and essential services.’
After holding a suo motu consultation, the telecom and broadcast regulator recommended the establishment of a user-friendly, transparent, and responsive digital single-window system-based portal for end-to-end inter-departmental online processes. The TRAI also proposed that each ministry establish a standing Ease of Doing Business Committee to regularly review, simplify, and update existing processes.
To reduce the compliance burden on Internet Service Providers, the regulator recommended that the periodicity for submission of information by ISPs on ISPNodes or Points of Presence be revised to once per year. Additionally, it suggested that the website blocking process be included on the single-window portal.
The TRAI also recommended that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting develop a mobile app for registration of local cable operators, and that RoW approvals be made available to LCOs through consultation with MIB. Finally, it suggested that the laying and operation of submarine cables network permissions be made online as a part of the Saral Sanchar portal.