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India’s Telecomm Regulatory Authority (TRAI) has called for comments from the public on a draft document which outlines quality-of-service (QoS) benchmarks for 5G network slicing – an emerging technology, considered to be the backbone of future advanced mobile services in the country. According to TRAI, these new standards will help ensure that 5G services do not reduce the quality of experience for ordinary mobile users.
Network slicing enables telecom carriers to create several virtual networks on a single physical network. Each ‘slice’ can be configured according to different use cases like online gaming, cloud computing, factory automation, medical services, or emergency services. These slices have unique speed, latency, and reliability depending on its intended use case.
In its draft guidelines, TRAI has made provisions to ensure that telecom operators offering network slicing adhere to certain defined quality standards for each ‘slice’. Simultaneously, telecom operators should ensure that allocation of resources to premium customers does not adversely impact service quality for other customers.
The regulator said operators should continuously monitor network performance and maintain transparency about the quality levels promised under different service categories. The move is aimed at protecting consumers as telecom companies begin introducing differentiated 5G services.
The consultation also revives the debate around net neutrality. Consumer groups have argued that prioritized network services could create unequal internet access if premium users consistently receive better performance.
Telecom companies, however, maintain that network slicing is a globally accepted 5G capability that enables specialized applications without violating net neutrality principles. They argue that the technology is essential for monetizing large investments made in India’s 5G rollout and supporting enterprise use cases.
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TRAI has consulted with telecom companies, industry associations, technology companies and consumers before formulating the rules. The consultation is part of the regulator's broader initiative to examine quality-of-service guidelines for mobile networks in India's growing independent 5G network ecosystem.
The regulatory structure is likely to define telecom operators' approach to offering premium 5G services while also ensuring that ordinary consumers can enjoy the benefits of reliable mobile connectivity. With telecom companies on the hunt for additional revenue sources, the regulator’s job would be to promote innovations while maintaining consumer protection norms and an open internet philosophy.
