ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out the typology adopted in this part to examine the non-adjudicatory role of TRAI since its inception; it divides the study into the preparatory (1997–2003), the competitive (2004–2007), and the hypercompetitive (2008 onwards). The rather tumultuous first phase of telecom regulation in India between 1997 and 2003 is discussed. Both the pre-amendment and post-amendment periods relating to TRAI are discussed in overview given that substantially different boundaries were set for the regulatory body in these two periods. The unorthodox sequence of regulatory reform, the initial bidding process for licensing, de-monopolization of long distance services, tariff rebalancing by TRAI, the limited mobility consultation and recommendations with respect to wireless in local loop (WLL) services, and the proposals for transition to unified access service licenses are described in detail.
