Artificial Intelligence and telecom infrastructure have developed a vital interdependence, but concerns persist regarding the impact of AI-based systems on millions of users, according to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti. Speaking at the Trai-STPI Pre-Summit Event on 'AI in Telecommunications', Lahoti outlined both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Mutual Dependence of AI and Telecom

Lahoti explained that telecom networks serve as the primary carriers of AI, while AI provides an intelligent layer for telecom operations. Telecom service providers are increasingly leveraging AI across multiple functions to enhance their operations and customer experience.

Current AI Implementation Scale

The scale of AI deployment in India's telecom sector has reached significant proportions. AI systems deployed by telecom service providers are currently detecting and blocking nearly 400 million voice calls or messages per day using AI detection combined with blockchain technology.

Lahoti noted that with 5G rollout, rapid data consumption growth, IoT expansion, and early 6G developments, telecom networks have evolved into highly complex and dynamic systems. Managing this complexity through conventional approaches has become increasingly challenging, making AI a foundational capability rather than merely an efficiency tool.

Industry Challenges and Requirements

Cellular Operators Association of India Director General S P Kochhar highlighted several critical challenges facing AI implementation in telecommunications. He emphasized the need to develop AI at scale to benefit masses, particularly rural populations through voice-based services.

Kochhar stressed that discussions around data ownership, privacy, bias, transparency, and accountability have moved from marginal sidelines to center stage. He noted that while frameworks are being discussed, ground-level implementation requires extensive brainstorming and clear policy direction to attract investments and innovation.

Skill Development Concerns

Addressing the skilled manpower challenge, Kochhar made pointed observations about India's current skill development ecosystem. He noted that while numbers may indicate leadership in skilled manpower, the reality differs significantly. The current focus on blue-collar worker skilling often fails to align with industry requirements, necessitating a comprehensive system revamp encompassing skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling initiatives.

IndiaAI Impact Summit Preparations

IndiaAI COO Kavita Bhatia provided updates on the upcoming IndiaAI Impact Summit scheduled for February 19-20 in Delhi. Working groups are incorporating inputs from pre-summit events to form the basis of declaration documents for the main summit.

The extensive pre-summit engagement reflects the global significance of AI's impact on telecommunications and the broader digital ecosystem. These preparatory events are designed to ensure comprehensive stakeholder input into policy frameworks and implementation strategies that will shape the future of AI in telecommunications.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is examining pricing issues that telecom companies are facing in deploying networks at the Adani Group-owned Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL). The review was initiated following intervention requests from the industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.

TRAI's Response to Industry Concerns

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti confirmed that COAI approached the regulator to intervene in the pricing disputes. The regulator has sought detailed information about historical pricing agreements between telecom operators and infrastructure providers.

"The letter that COAI has written has raised four issues. Three of those pertain to right-of-way. There is one issue regarding the pricing. We have asked for certain details from COAI regarding how they have entered into agreements in the past. We will study those, and then we will take further action," Lahoti stated.

The Chairman emphasized that TRAI does not require any specific reference from the government and can proceed with the case based on the industry body's complaint.

COAI's Allegations Against NMIAL

The Cellular Operators Association of India, representing major telecom service providers including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio Infocomm, and Vodafone Idea, reached out to the telecom department for regulatory intervention. According to COAI's complaint, member telecom service providers approached Navi Mumbai airport seeking requisite approvals to deploy their telecom networks.

"However, contrary to the statutory framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the RoW Rules 2024, NMIAL has declined to grant the necessary permissions," COAI alleged.

NMIAL's Counter-Response

Navi Mumbai airport strongly disputed COAI's allegations, stating that IBS telecom infrastructure for mobile networks was procured and installed after multiple discussions with individual telecom service providers and government-owned BSNL. The airport confirmed that the infrastructure is currently in the advanced phase of testing.

"We are rigorously following up with TSPs to conclude the discussions. We welcome individual TSPs to discuss and mutually agree on rates. However, we will not give in to any cartelisation in this regard," NMIAL stated.

Regulatory Framework and Next Steps

The Right-of-way (RoW) rules mandate the deployment and operation of telecom infrastructure by service providers on both public and private property. TRAI's examination will focus on ensuring compliance with these statutory requirements while addressing pricing concerns raised by the telecom industry.

The regulator's investigation will analyze historical pricing agreements and determine appropriate regulatory action based on the findings. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructure costs with regulatory compliance in India's rapidly expanding telecom sector.