COAI
COAI seeks rationalised pricing for microwave backhaul spectrum
The Cellular Operators Association of India emphasizes the need for early implementation of TRAI's spectrum charge recommendations. This follows the Department of Telecommunications retaining the existing pricing framework despite previous recommendations for reductions. COAI points out that the current structure poses a significant burden on operators' costs. As demand for microwave backhaul is expected to grow substantially, predictable charges are essential.
The rise of AI personal assistants and the battle for users' trust
Meta Connect recently unveiled Muse Charm, which serves as a personal AI assistant for users. This device can interact with emails, calendars, and other services to streamline life tasks. It represents a shift from traditional devices to persistent AI help that anticipates users' needs. While user trust and privacy concerns persist, tech companies are racing to develop autonomous agents. The future may see these assistants represented in various hardware forms.
AI ROI a long-term game for telcos; skipping adoption not an option: IMC CEO Ramakrishna P
Ramakrishna P told ET AI at the IMC 2026 that since telecom operators are providing a wider range of services for businesses, they might soon become more of a tech company.
AI boom will need bigger telecom ‘pipes’; spectrum still a hurdle: COAI chief
Chief Dr SP Kochhar said the industry remains concerned about the scale of investments required, particularly as operators continue to look for viable ways to monetise 5G.
PM's vision for taking Indian to world, innovation, secure tech lays path for sectoral transformation: Telcos
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a global framework to tackle cyber fraud and deepfakes, alongside his push for India-made products and innovation, has drawn support from telecom industry leaders. At India Mobile Congress 2026, executives said the sector’s next phase must focus on secure connectivity, AI, trust and global technology leadership.
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Sashakt: Expanding Opportunities Charting the Course for Digital Inclusion at India Mobile Congress 2026
The India Mobile Congress 2026 revolves around the innovative theme 'Scale Without Boundaries,' aiming to address the necessity for equitable digital access and groundbreaking connectivity methods. Over a four-day period, engaging sessions will delve into topics like autonomous networks and the role of AI in telecommunications, featuring insights from influential figures in the industry and global policymakers.
India Mobile Congress turns 10, and the 2026 Edition lands in Delhi this October
India Mobile Congress 2026 is on from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The Department of Telecommunications runs it with COAI. This is the tenth edition. "Scale Without Boundaries" is the theme, and the organisers are working with a footfall estimate north of 150,000 over the four days.
IMC 2026 to put DeepTech at centre of startup programme ASPIRE
India Mobile Congress 2026 will take place from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. The event will emphasise DeepTech and frontier technologies to support startups advancing from prototype to market. Over 500 startups and 300 venture capital firms are expected to participate, fostering connections through one-on-one meetings.
Satcom to play key complementary role in reaching remote areas: TRAI Chairman
India is set to enhance connectivity in its challenging and remote areas through satellite communications. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised the government on allocating spectrum for broadband services. Companies like Starlink and OneWeb are waiting for essential approvals. TRAI has proposed a spectrum charge of four percent of annual revenues while advocating for subsidies on user terminals to encourage rural adoption.
MNP row: Trai to examine telcos' concerns against Vodafone Idea
TRAI will examine complaints from Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio over Vodafone Idea’s alleged offers aimed at getting customers to port to its network. Vi said it believes in fair competition and conducts its business in compliance with the law.
COAI, British High Commission ink MoU for cooperation on AI, digital trust, intelligent connectivity
COAI and the British High Commission signed a pact for AI and digital trust. This collaboration aims to strengthen responsible technology-led innovation and connectivity. Senior representatives discussed Artificial Intelligence's role in future digital infrastructure. Governments must ensure innovation progresses alongside security and accountability. This MoU reflects the importance of trusted international collaboration for digital connectivity.
AI can drive greater telecom network autonomy, but accountability remains crucial: TRAI Chairman
Artificial intelligence can enhance India's telecom network autonomy and efficiency. Increased automation must not compromise accountability and human oversight in operations. India possesses significant digital population and market strengths for AI integration. Telecom operators should invest in responsible AI and maintain human supervision.
AI can drive greater telecom network autonomy, but accountability remains crucial: TRAI Chairman
Addressing CO.AI 2026 in New Delhi, Lahoti said AI should expand human potential, empower human choice and protect human dignity, stressing that the technology is more than just another network generation or application layer.
Bharti Airtel's Rahul Vatts named COAI Chairperson for 2026-27
Rahul Vatts of Bharti Airtel will lead COAI as Chairperson for 2026-27. Ravi Gandhi of Reliance Jio will be Vice-Chairperson. The announcement came after COAI's Annual General Body Meeting. The telecom industry body reviewed sector developments and discussed future priorities. This leadership change marks a new phase for strengthening India's digital communications ecosystem.
Mumbai metro trying to extract monopolistic, extortionate rents for mobile network: COAI
COAI has accused Mumbai Metro of demanding monopolistic rents for mobile network provision, violating Right of Way rules. Telecom operators offered a common network, but Mumbai Metro insisted on using a third-party vendor.
COAI disappointed on captive network decision; seeks level playing field for orderly growth
In a letter to the Telecom Department, COAI argued that since a decision to enable the captive networks through direct spectrum assignment has been taken, the government must now restrict scope of such non-public networks to machine-to-machine communication inside the specific premise and plant automation only.
COAI approaches DoT to stop sale of mobile signal boosters on e-commerce sites
COAI says sale of such illegal items not only violates norms but also hampers service quality for subscribers.
COAI rules out truce with Jio, to counter its allegations in court
“COAI will not apologise because nothing that was said was defamatory. We are studying all the documents and will counter each of their points in court,” said COAI director general Rajan Mathews.
There’s no worthy reason to apologise to Reliance Jio, says COAI
Jio, on Friday, issued a defamation notice to COAI demanding a public apology within 48 hours for saying that the telecom regulator favoured Jio through its regulations
Reviewing defamation notice by Jio, says COAI
The company also said it reserves "its rights to initiate criminal and civil defamation proceedings, including for damages, against both COAI and IDOs, jointly and or severally" .
Jio slams COAI for letter to TRAI on interconnect charges
Jio said COAI had "no business to intervene" by writing to sector regulator Trai as two of the members, including Jio, had differed from the views of the "incumbent dominant operators" on the matter.
Call drops: COAI urges House panel to hear its views
COAI requests the Standing Committee on IT to also hear out operators including Airtel, Idea and Vodafone for a fairer assessment of the situation.
Trai debunks COAI allegations, seeks apology
Mathews too said that COAI was not invited to the meeting but the meeting was held based on their letters and as a stakeholder they wanted to be a part of it.
We’re democratic and take all views on board, says COAI after Mukesh Ambani's criticism
The incumbant operators, under the aegis of COAI, have locked horns with the new entrant Reliance Jio over points of interconnect or connectivity within various networks.
COAI seeks meeting with PMO to discuss concerns over alleged Trai bias
Jio on Wedensday hit back at COAI saying that incumbent telcos were trying to sabotage its entry and called COAI acquisitions, frivolous and malicious.
COAI reiterates demand for review of pricing of CDMA airwaves
COAI escalated a war of letters by now writing to the telecom minister on Monday, reiterating its demand for a review of pricing of CDMA airwaves.
COAI expands membership base; includes four telecom companies
COAI has members like Aircel, Bharti Airtel, Loop Mobile, Vodafone Essar, Vodafone, Idea Cellular, Spice Communications, Videocon, S Tel, Unitech Wireless & Etisalat DB Telecom.
Tata Tele exits COAI, says it's biased
The corporate battles between mobile phone operators have now led to deep divisions in the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the powerful industry lobby representing the interests of GSM-based telcos.
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