(a) whether the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been authorized to
take action against erring telecom companies in the country under the TRAI Act, 1997;
(b) if so, the details of the telecom companies against whom action has been taken
during the last three years and the current year and the outcome thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to confer TRAI with more powers; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SACHIN PILOT)
(a) Yes, Madam. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been conferred with
powers to make a complaint in court for taking cognizance of any offence punishable under
the TRAI Act, 1997 or the rules and regulations made thereunder. It can also make
recommendations to the licensor for revocation of licence of a service provider for
non-compliance of the terms and conditions of the licence.
(b) Till date TRAI imposed financial disincentive on 8 service providers viz. M/s
Vodafone, Reliance, Bharti, Tata, Spice, BPL, MTNL and Aircel for noncompliance under Telecom
Unsolicited Commercial Communications Regulation, 2007.
(c) & (d) TRAI has submitted a proposal seeking more powers. Government has not so far
taken any final decision in this regard.