Section 13 of The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997
Power of Authority to issue directions.
The Authority may, for the discharge of its functions under sub-section (1) of section 11, issue such directions from time to time to the service providers, as it may consider necessary: 1[Provided that no direction under sub-section (4) of section 12 or under this section shall be issued except on the matters specified in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 11.]
Summary
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India can issue binding instructions to telecom service providers to help carry out its regulatory duties.
- These instructions can only be given for specific duties listed under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 11 of the Act.
- These permitted duties include ensuring license compliance, fixing interconnection terms, regulating revenue sharing, setting service quality standards, and ensuring universal service obligations.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of the regulator's power to issue directions under Section 13 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997?
Under Section 13 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, the authority can issue written directions to service providers from time to time to make sure they perform their duties and carry out their regulatory functions properly.
2. Are there any restrictions on the type of directions the regulator can issue under Section 13 of the 1997 Indian telecom regulator law?
Under Section 13 of the 1997 Indian telecom regulator law, the authority can only issue directions on non-advisory operational matters, such as ensuring license compliance, setting interconnection terms, regulating revenue sharing, and maintaining service quality.
3. Can the regulator use Section 13 of the TRAI Act, 1997, to make policy recommendations?
Under Section 13 of the TRAI Act, 1997, the power to issue directions is restricted to operational matters and cannot be used for subjects where the authority is only authorized to make recommendations to the Central Government.
Test yourself
1.Under Section 13 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, the regulatory authority can issue directions to service providers for which of the following purposes?
2.How does Section 13 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 limit the powers of the regulatory authority when issuing directions under sub-section (4) of Section 12?
3.Under the provisions of Section 13 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, which of the following regulatory actions would be considered illegal or outside the authority's power?
4.If the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India wants to issue an order under Section 13 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to whom can this order be directly addressed?
5.Which of the following is a matter listed under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 11 on which a direction can be validly issued under Section 13 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997?