Even with these positive norms, analysts questioned the enforceability and redressal mechanisms in the TRAI norms
Telecom industry representatives have raised doubts regarding the enforcement of the 5G slicing norms proposed in the latest consultation paper released by the sector regulator.As telcos like Bharti Airtel push forward with a slicing-based prioritiy postpaid plan, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper for 5G slicing with network capacity as its driving principle. However, after an initial welcome response, industry experts flagg loopholes in the norms that could ultimately hurt regular, non-premium users.Many experts focused on the suggestion that the base stations of a tower must stay at 80 per cent capacity, measured using a physical resource block or PRB. The paper said that any base station with over 80 per cent capacity will be considered “congested” and need either increased capacity or a complete removal from the slicing model. Analysts warned this coulld lead to monetisation of congestion.Capacity Congestion“TRAI does not specify how many PRBs are dedicated to one or the other category of users. The congestion will include premium users and ordinary users. How will you ensure that premium users will not eat away capacity speed of ordinary users? That is not written anywhere,” said Parag Kar, telecom expert.Further, he explained in his video how the 80 per cent capacity is an aggregate figure for all PRBs in a tower as opposed to minimum capacity of every PRB. This means that some base stations may circumvent the TRAI threshold entirely.“One bad hotspot can disappear within the LSA,” said Kar.Further, Failsal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst and Founder of Techarc argued that the current paper seems self-contradictory.“If operators are able to maintain 80 per cent capacity in this way, there would be no need of plans like Fastlane. If this is implemented, they will have to deprioritise someone and it will not be premium users,” he said.Mapping NormsAside from the slicing norms, the paper also called for better mapping details in terms of network coverage by operators. This means the TRAI network map will come with added context of lavels such as ‘excellent,’ ‘good,’ ‘fair’ and no coverage. This will help users understand coverage weaknesses better. Yet even with these positive norms, analysts questioned the enforceability and redressal mechanisms in the paper.“My concern is how will the government ensure enforcement of these parameters. The paper does not mention a grievance redressal mechanism. How will the regulator deploy penalties and sanction if the quality of service is poor. There should be mechanism to enforce it especially as we head towards a duopoly with around 80 per cent market share among two players,” said V Sridhar, Professor at IIIT-Bangalore.Limited ResourcesUltimately, the biggest hindrance to a 5G slicing resolution lies in India’s limited resources. According to Kar, operators have no incentive to provide quality service, which is the biggest challenge.“The sustainable method is to promote capacity with lower priced spectrum, lower taxes, lower license fees, improved competition and better transaprency which motivates operators to offer good services,” said Kar.Published on August 6, 2026
