Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has demanded from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) the categories of  license holders intending to surrender their licences and spectrum and for whom the later want an exit policy in place.

The proposed exit policy would provide an escape route for the operators who want to withdraw from the highly competitive telecom sector with as many 13 operators.

A number of operators were unable to roll their services because of  lack of funds and the spiraling costs in the face of the presence of the higher number of operators and the intense competition. The telecom ministry had directed TRAI to send recommendations on exit policy for such operators.

In its reply TRAI  had said that it first wants consultations with operators and other stakeholders before it prepares the recommendations. It said that that this is a new reference.