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Reduced ceiling tariffs for Domestic Leased Circuits to boost broadband and e-governance
NEW DELHI: In a step aimed at boosting usage of broadband, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reduced ceiling tariffs for Point-to-Point Domestic Leased Circuits (P2P-DLCs) of E1 (2Mbps), DS3 (45 Mbps) and STM-1 (155 Mbps) capacities and has brought DLCs of STM-4 (622 Mbps) capacity under tariff regulation.
The tariffs for a Domestic Leased Circuit (DLC) of less than E1 capacity have been left under forbearance. The revised tariff regime for DLCs will come into effect from 1 August.
A leased circuit is a two-way link for the exclusive use of a subscriber regardless of the way it is used by the subscriber. A leased circuit having both its end-links within India is termed as DLC. Since DLCs provide the backbone for not only the telecommunication services sector but also a host of knowledge based industries, these are arguably key inputs for the economic growth of the country.
Under the present licensing regime, both national long distance operators (NLDOs) and access service providers (ASPs) can provide DLCs. The DLCs form crucial building blocks for the delivery of various services like e-commerce, e-governance, Internet access for the masses and knowledge based industries like business process outsourcing (BPO), information technology (IT) and information technology enabled eervices (ITES) industries. Enterprises, having their offices spread out in the country, lease-in bandwidth capacities (i.e. DLCs) from the TSPs to carry their data and voice traffic.
Besides, telecom service providers (TSPs) who do not own sufficient transmission infrastructure in any geographical area also lease-in DLCs in order to provide various telecommunication services to their customers.
Since 1999, the tariffs for P2P-DLCs have been regulated in the form of ceiling tariffs on the basis of capacity and distance. The tariffs for DLCs were last revised in the year 2005. The present exercise to review tariffs for DLCs was initiated by TRAI earlier this year in the context of decline in per unit costs of providing DLCs due to (i) increase in demand, (ii) increase in transmission infrastructure and (iii) increase in the bandwidth carrying capacity of transmission media, and signs of lack of competition in some parts of the country.
After following a comprehensive consultation process, the Authority, through the TTO (57th Amendment), 2014, has brought about the following changes in the tariff regime for DLCs:
(a) Tariffs for DLCs of less than E1 capacity have been kept under forbearance.
(b) Ceiling tariffs for DLCs of E1, DS-3 and STM-1 capacities have been reduced.
(c) The DLCs of STM-4 capacity, tariff for which was under forbearance, have been brought under tariff regulation by way of prescription of ceiling tariffs.
With the implementation of the reduced ceiling tariffs, the customers seeking DLCs on the thin routes connecting small cities, remote and hilly areas etc. (i.e. the routes which are not sufficiently competitive) would be benefited.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
