TRAI to issue consultation paper on digital inclusion

TRAI to issue consultation paper on digital inclusion

Subject: Polity

Section: National Body ( Statutory)

Context: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will bring out a consultation paper to further strengthen digital inclusion in the country, and devices, connectivity and literacy will be the three key aspects it will dwell into

Concept:

Digital divide

• Digital divide is a term that refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don’t or have restricted access
• The digital divide typically exists between those in cities and those in rural areas; between the educated and the uneducated; between socioeconomic groups; and, globally, between the more and less industrially developed nations.
• According to CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd, a special purpose vehicle set up by the ministry of electronics and information technology, there has been a 100% surge in data consumption. There is a rural-urban component to the digital divide. Internet density in rural areas accounting for 66% of population is around 25%, while among urban population (34%), internet density is almost 98%.
• According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India, male users account for 67% of India’s online population; women account for just 29%.

About TRAI:

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established in 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
• The head office of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is located at New Delhi.
• The TRAI consists of a Chairperson, two whole-time members and two part-time members, all of which are appointed by the Government of India.

Functions of TRAI:

• The function of the TRAI is to make recommendations to the central government on matters related to service providers, Revocation of license for non-compliance , Measures to facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunication services to facilitate their growth etc.
• Laying down the standards of quality of service to be provided by the service providers.
• Timely and officially notifying the rates at which the telecommunication services within India and outside India shall be provided under the TRAI Act, 1997.
• The recommendations of the TRAI are not binding upon the Central Government.

Powers of TRAI:

• It can call upon any service provider to furnish in writing the information or explanation relating to its affairs as the Authority may require.
• The Authority may appoint one or more persons to make an inquiry in relation to the affairs of any service provider.
• It is empowered to direct any of its officers or employees to inspect the books of accounts or other documents of any service provider.
• The Authority shall have the power to issue such directions to service providers as it may consider necessary for proper functioning by service providers.