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TRAI recommends liberalised internet telephony and emergency services
NEW DELHI: Internet telephony services can be provided by access service providers to its subscribers who may be using Internet of other access service providers as Internet Telephony service is un-tethered from the underlying access network.
In its final recommendations on internet telephony, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has said that the Department of Telecom (DoT) should issue a clarification to the effect since this is the authority’s understanding of present access service licences.
However, if the DoT has a different understanding, the authority recommends that the DoT may issue an amendment to access service licences so that Internet telephony service is un-tethered from the underlying access Network.
TRAI had issued a consultation paper on the Regulatory Framework on Internet Telephony on 22 June 2016 issued after noting that unified IP based backbone and the benefits associated with the converged telecom access has enabled service providers to launch several converged services such as internet telephony, IPTV, mobile TV etc.
In the consultation paper, TRAI had also pointed out that the use of internet protocol (IP)-based networks, including the internet, continues to grow around the world due to the multitude of applications it supports and particularly due to Voice Over IP (VoIP). IP-based networks are capable of providing real-time services such as voice and video telephony as well as non real-time services such as email and are driven by faster internet connections, widespread take-up in broadband and the emergence of new technologies.
The final recommendations also say that the UL (VNO) licensee with access service authorisation should also be allowed to provide un-tethered Internet Telephony in the designated service area.
Internet Telephony calls originated by International out roamers from international locations should be handed over at the international gateway of licensed ILDOs and international termination charges should be paid to the terminating access service provider. In case the access provider is not able to ensure that internet telephony call originated outside the country is coming through ILDO gateway, international out-roaming to internet telephony subscribers of the access provider should not be allowed.
A service provider should use the mobile numbering series for providing internet telephony. TSPs should be allowed to allocate same number to the subscriber for both cellular mobile service and internet telephony service.
A service provider may also use the SDCA linked numbering series for providing internet telephony. However, in this case, mobility should be limited to consumer premises.
The access service providers providing Internet Telephony service may be encouraged to facilitate access to emergency number calls using location services; however, they may not be mandated to provide such services at present. The subscribers may be informed about the limitations of providing access to emergency services to internet telephony subscribers in unambiguous terms.
Full recommendations can be seen on www.trai.gov.in
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.
