TRAI Seeks Enhanced Penal Powers Against Non-Compliant Telecom Operators

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has sought enhanced penal powers to strengthen enforcement against telecom operators.

The move follows concerns that existing penalties are low, difficult to recover, and frequently challenged before courts, affecting regulatory enforcement.

TRAI has written to the Department of Telecommunications seeking amendments to the TRAI Act, proposing a significant increase in penalties. It has suggested fines of up to ₹5 crore for non-compliance and a rThe equirement that operators deposit 50 per cent of the penalty amount before an appeal is entertained.

At present, penalties are limited to ₹1 lakh for a first offence and ₹2 lakh for subsequent offences, with recovery requiring criminal proceedings.