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Interconnection Regulations of TRAI

Last updated on September 16th, 2023 Posted on September 16, 2023 by Ashish  1278

Syllabus: GS2/Government Policies and Interventions

Context

  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) releases Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Fifth Amendment) Regulations, 2023 [hereinafter referred to as Interconnection Regulations].

About:

  • TRAI amended the Interconnection Regulations to protect the interests of service providers and consumers.

Features of the amendments:

  • A new Schedule X has been prescribed for Digital Rights Management (DRM) System Requirements, that includes:
    • Subscriber Management Systems (SMS) for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services;
    • Conditional access by subscribers and encryption for IPTV services;
    • Fingerprinting for IPTV services; and,
    • To STBs/unique consumer subscription.

What is Digital Rights Management (DRM)?

  • DRM is a systematic approach to copyright protection for digital media available in Cyberspace to prevent unauthorised redistribution of digital media.
  • It includes all the technical systems designed to facilitate the management of rights in respect of digital content.

Legality of DRM:

  • Legal support for DRM systems is to be found in the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) of 1996.
    • The WIPO Internet Treaties are designed to update and supplement the Berne Convention and the Rome Convention.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):
– It was established in 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, an Act of Parliament.

Objectives:
– It aims to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government.
– It provides a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.

Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT):
– It was established in 2000 by amending the TRAI Act, to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI.
– It adjudicates any dispute between a licensor and a licensee, between two or more service providers, between a service provider and a group of consumers, and to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction, decision or order of TRAI.

Source: PIB

 
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