Kiran Rathee

India is rapidly increasing its iPhone production, with Made-in-India iPhones contributing 14-15% of Apple's global capacity in FY24 and expected to reach 26-30% by 2027. However, India's revenue contribution remains low at just over 2% of Apple's global revenue, compared to Greater China's 17%, highlighting the challenge posed by India's price-sensitive market.

India is relaxing satellite communication license rules. This may benefit companies like Starlink. The changes include remote network management and removal of location restrictions. Some experts worry about security risks. They fear misuse of terminals in sensitive areas. The government believes the changes align with global standards. The changes also promote ease of business.

Telecom operators have requested the Indian government to dissuade states from ordering internet shutdowns. They argue that these disruptions, totaling 154 days since April 2024 across 11 regions, hinder essential services like financial transactions and online education, impacting citizens significantly.

At times, state governments issue orders barring internet services in certain areas to address law-and-order concerns.

Telecom operators in India are implementing message traceability to combat spam, with a 95% success rate as of December 11. The remaining 5% of commercial SMS traffic, including OTPs, is expected to be resolved soon. This system ensures the entire message sending chain is known, blocking messages that don't comply with Trai's mandate.

India aims to become a hub for space communications. The government met with industry leaders to discuss developing the local space sector. They explored manufacturing satellites and launch services within India. This initiative promotes self-sufficiency. The government also discussed improving the telecom sector's cost-effectiveness with internet providers.

Telecom companies and tech firms clashed over regulations to curb online spam at a Trai open house. Telcos urged for OTT platforms and telemarketers to be held accountable, while tech players argued against bringing OTTs under Trai's purview, citing existing IT Act regulations. Trai acknowledged the diverse opinions and pledged to consider all viewpoints while formulating new rules.

"The intention is to make it user-friendly... the experience should be good, and it should become the preferred app for DND registration," Trai chairman AK Lahoti said, adding that additional functionalities that can be built in, such as reporting and blocking spam calls, need to be examined.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to issue bank guarantee (BG) waiver letters to telecom operators, offering significant relief to Vodafone Idea (Vi). This move, awaiting final approval from the communications minister, will waive over ₹24,700 crore in BGs for Vi, enabling the telco to secure loans for network expansion and 5G rollout, boosting competition against rivals.

India's telecom regulator, TRAI, has fined major telecom operators around ₹12 crore for failing to curb spam calls, adding to previous unpaid penalties totaling ₹141 crore. The operators argue they shouldn't be solely responsible, pointing to OTT platforms and businesses also contributing to the problem.