TRAI Suggests Creation Of Industry Body For Cloud Service Providers

TRAI Suggests Creation Of Industry Body For Cloud Service Providers

SUMMARY

TRAI wants cloud service providers to follow a “light touch” regulatory framework

An ad hoc system will be made to bring broad rules, chart the organisation structure and election procedure

TRAI has warned telecom service providers that they will not be allowed to share infrastructure and platform with a cloud service provider if they are not a member of the industry body registered with the DoT

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday (September 14) released its recommendations to set up an industry body for cloud service providers (CSPs) by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) which will follow “light touch” regulatory framework.

“The Authority recommends that DoT may initiate the setting up of the first industry-led body and require all CSPs to become its members. This body would lay down broad principles and procedures to aid its functioning,” the regulator said.

It also advised that telecom service providers should not be allowed to share infrastructure that is used for Telegraph, or core telecom functions.

“DoT may require this review after two years of commencement of the functioning of the first industry body, or such time as it considers appropriate,” the regulator added.

It further recommended the scope of cloud service providers (CSPs) to those offering infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) in the country or to the customers here. Software as a service (SaaS) providers can voluntarily enroll for membership.

TRAI warned telecom service providers that they will not be allowed to share infrastructure and platform with a cloud service provider if they are not a member of the industry body registered with the DoT.

An ad hoc system will be made to bring broad rules, chart the organisation structure and election procedure. The ad hoc body may have government officials and leading experts from the industry’s side, the regulator recommended.

Also, once the industry body is formed, CSPs should be told to register on the DoT’s website within six months and DoTs would also provide the details of the membership within the given time frame.

“DoT may require this review after two years of commencement of the functioning of the first industry body or such time as it considers appropriate,” the regulator said.

In October 2019, TRAI had sought public views on parameters for companies to become members of a cloud industry body and the likely governance structure, should there be single or multiple industry bodies that may be registered under the telecom department, fees that should apply to them, etc.

Earlier in 2017, TRAI had a consultation on cloud computing, where it had recommended a series of approaches, including registration, legal frameworks for data protection, and more.

A CII and KPMG report said that cloud technology, enabled by IT and bolstered by a sound telecommunications network, can herald innumerable solutions to enable telemedicine, set up remote classrooms, etc.

NASSCOM research says that the Indian cloud computing market is currently valued at $2.2 Bn and is expected to grow at 30% a year to $7.1 Bn by 2022.

Note: We at Inc42 take our ethics very seriously. More information about it can be found here.

You have reached your limit of free stories
Become An Inc42 Plus Member

Become a Startup Insider in 2024 with Inc42 Plus. Join our exclusive community of 10,000+ founders, investors & operators and stay ahead in India’s startup & business economy.

2 YEAR PLAN
₹19999
₹7999
₹333/Month
Unlock 60% OFF
Cancel Anytime
1 YEAR PLAN
₹9999
₹4999
₹416/Month
Unlock 50% OFF
Cancel Anytime
Already A Member?
Discover Startups & Business Models

Unleash your potential by exploring unlimited articles, trackers, and playbooks. Identify the hottest startup deals, supercharge your innovation projects, and stay updated with expert curation.

TRAI Suggests Creation Of Industry Body For Cloud Service Providers-Inc42 Media
How-To’s on Starting & Scaling Up

Empower yourself with comprehensive playbooks, expert analysis, and invaluable insights. Learn to validate ideas, acquire customers, secure funding, and navigate the journey to startup success.

TRAI Suggests Creation Of Industry Body For Cloud Service Providers-Inc42 Media
Identify Trends & New Markets

Access 75+ in-depth reports on frontier industries. Gain exclusive market intelligence, understand market landscapes, and decode emerging trends to make informed decisions.

TRAI Suggests Creation Of Industry Body For Cloud Service Providers-Inc42 Media
Track & Decode the Investment Landscape

Stay ahead with startup and funding trackers. Analyse investment strategies, profile successful investors, and keep track of upcoming funds, accelerators, and more.

TRAI Suggests Creation Of Industry Body For Cloud Service Providers-Inc42 Media
TRAI Suggests Creation Of Industry Body For Cloud Service Providers-Inc42 Media
You’re in Good company