Trai gives more time for comments on discussion paper on boosting tech innovation via regulatory sandboxes
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has extended the deadline for stakeholder comments and counter-comments on its recent discussion paper on creating a holistic framework to drive cutting-edge tech innovation in digital communications via transparent and safe live testing environments, popularly known as regulatory sandboxes. Trai has now sought comments and counter-comments on the consultation paper by July 31 and August 16 respectively after stakeholders sought more time.
It had earlier sought the submissions by July 17 and August 1 respectively. Last month, the regulator had invited stakeholder views on the ideal eligibility criteria for companies to participate in such a sandboxing framework and on ways to encourage participation of startups and small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the mega digital tech innovations endeavour.
It has also sought suggestions on ways to protect consumer interests in a sandboxing environment, especially from potential data breaches, fraud and other security risks. Trai had received a reference from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in March to offer recommendations around creating a regulatory sandbox framework that can be used to encourage innovative technologies, services, use cases and business models.
India's Draft Telecommunications Bill, 2022, too had proposed a regulatory sandbox for driving tech innovation. The related provisions of the Bill had dealt with allowing companies/startups to use the sandbox to develop and test new technologies and facilitate innovation under a flexible framework.
. Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com
