TRAI Issues Draft AI Guidelines for Telecom Networks

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released on 30 October 2026 a draft of the Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services, and asked stakeholders to send in their comments. TRAI works under the Ministry of Communications.

Why the draft was prepared

Artificial intelligence is being built into telecom networks and into the services that operators sell. TRAI decided to frame a set of guidelines, after consulting stakeholders, so that the sector applies AI in a consistent and responsible manner and so that clarity, predictability and accountability improve across the ecosystem.

The policy it builds on

In February 2026 the Government of India released the India AI Governance Guidelines. Their stated aim is to use the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for inclusive development and global competitiveness while dealing with the risks it carries for individuals and for society. The document rests on seven guiding sutras or principles: Trust is the Foundation, People First, Innovation over Restraint, Fairness and Equity, Accountability, Understandable by Design, and Safety, Resilience and Sustainability. Part 4 of that document offers practical guidance to industry actors and to regulators. The new telecom draft is meant to apply these national guidelines within the telecom sector.

Why telecom was singled out

Telecommunication is a large part of India's digital infrastructure. It carries connectivity for the public, delivers public and essential electronic services, supports trade and commerce, and keeps the country's critical information infrastructure working. TRAI notes that the sector matters not only for social, economic and commercial activity but also for national security and for emergency response, which is why the use of AI in it needs a settled framework.

How to respond

The draft has been put on the TRAI website. Written comments from stakeholders are invited up to 27 November 2026, preferably by electronic mail, and are to be addressed to the Advisor for Networks, Spectrum and Licensing at TRAI, Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, who is also the officer to approach for any clarification.