Research

A STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET: EXPLORING THE JIO EFFECT

In the Philosophy and Law of Information Regulation in India, published by the Centre for Law & Policy Research

Smriti Parsheera and Vishal Trehan

In this paper we take a closer look at the structural developments in the Indian telecommunications market post Reliance Jio’s arrival in 2016. We do this based on a survey of the relevant literature on competition in the digital communications sector, a review of the CCI’s decisions, and analysis of the monthly subscriber data and quarterly performance indicator reports released by the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of India. Our analysis points to two key trends – growing concentration in the mobile telecom market and increasing cross-links across the telecom, content and device layers. Further, we argue that Jio’s dominance must also be viewed in light of the reality of it being a part of the Reliance conglomerate, its recent strategic alliances with companies like Facebook and Google, and a carefully curated image of being a swadesi counter to global big tech. All of these can be viwed as determinants of Jio’s soft power. 

POLICY ISSUES IN THE TELECOM SECTOR

In Innovating India: 2019-2024 Public Policy Agenda, Pune International Center (Paper) 

The paper provides a strategic overview of the legal, structural and institutional challenges plaguing the Indian telecom sector and the interventions needed to address them,

Net Neutrality

NET NEUTRALITY IN INDIA -- ONLINE SYMPOSIUM ON INTERNET OPENNESS AT THE TIME OF COVID-19  

Online symposium organised by the Internet Governance Forum coalition on Net Neutrality and Community Connectivity. Medianama, 18 May, 2020.

NET NEUTRALITY IN INDIA: SIGHTING THE FINISH LINE

Economic and Political Weekly (Engage), Vol. 53, Issue No. 25, 23 June, 2018

This paper traces the regulatory developments around net neutrality in India. Set against the context of the TRAI's recommendations to the Department of Telecommunications, we explores the logic behind why TRAI might have opted for telecom licenses as the appropriate instrument for giving effect to the net neutrality principle, the scope of reasonable traffic management and specialised services. We argue that whatever be the policy instrument through which we adopt the principle of net neutrality, India’s de-facto position on this will emerge only as we begin to see new services and business models tested against the proposed principles.

Paper

TRAI's CONSULTATION TOWARDS A NET NEUTRALITY FRAMEWORK IN INDIA

Amba Kak, Mayank Mishra and Smriti Parsheera

LEAP Blog, 23 January, 2017.

Written soon after the  released of TRAI's Consultation Paper on Net Neutrality, this piece outlines the key issued raised by the regulator and the  way in which the issues raised in the paper build upon the previous discussions in TRAI's pre-consultation document. seeking inputs for the formulation of final views on the subject. We identify the references to the local context, the appropriate footprint of regulation, practical implications of monitoring frameworks and role of transparency as some of the areas in which this paper advances the previous discussions.

TRAI’s MOVE ON NET NEUTRALITY

Iravati Damle, Mayank Mishra, Smriti Parsheera, Suman Prashant and Ajay Shah 

LEAP Blog, 10 February, 2016.

This piece describes the developments around the issuance of TRAI's regulation on discriminatory tariff for data services, which put an end to Facebook's Free Basics service in India. We highlight the impact that the decision on Facebook's stock prices and its long term expected impact on the Internet and its stakeholders. We conclude that by ruling on the issue of differential pricing without waiting for a broader net neutrality law, TRAI has in effect won the last battle first.

Sector Reports

PROPELLING DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS IN INDIA: THE ROLE OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

Varun Sen Bahal, Rishab Bailey, Smriti Parsheera and Faiza Rahman

September, 2019

Report commissioned by the National Institute of Communication Finance to examine the interplay between foreign investment and the growth of the digital communications sector. It presents the legal and policy framework that shapes this relationship, examines current and future prospects, and some suggestions on the way forward.

A TWENTY YEAR ODYSSEY (1997-2017) 

Amba Kak, Mayank Mishra, Dhiraj Muttreja and Smriti Parsheera

April, 2017

Report commissioned by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for release at an event commemorating the completion of TRAI's 20 years. It discusses the key regulatory and industry trends in the telecom and broadcasting sectors over the last two decades.