Economy Prelims Plus
Why is in news? TRAI organises seminar on Emerging Trends in Broadcasting Sector at India Mobile Congress in New Delhi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a regulatory body set up by the Government of India under section 3 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
It is the regulator of the telecommunications sector in India, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services that were earlier vested in the Central Government.
The entry of private service providers brought with it the inevitable need for independent regulation, hence TRAI was established.
TRAI’s mission is to create and nurture conditions for the growth of telecommunications in the country in a manner and pace which will enable India to play a leading role in the emerging global information society.
The head office of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is located in New Delhi.
It consists of a Chairperson and not more than two full-time members and not more than two part-time members - Selection is by central Government.
The Chairperson and other members shall hold their office for a term of three years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
The TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance, effective from 24 January 2000, establishing a Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI.
TDSAT was set up to adjudicate any dispute between a: licensor and a licensee, between two or more service providers, between a service provider and a group of consumers, and to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction, decision, or order of TRAI.