India’s telecom regulator has proposed draft guidelines to govern the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across telecommunications networks and services, seeking greater accountability and clarity as operators expand their use of the technology.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has opened the proposals for stakeholder consultation, with written comments and suggestions due by November 27, 2026.
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TRAI Seeks Consistent AI Governance Across Telecom Networks
The proposed guidelines aim to bring greater clarity, predictability and accountability to AI adoption across the telecom sector. Telecom operators are increasingly using AI in network operations and customer-facing services, making responsible deployment an important part of the sector’s regulatory framework.
The consultation follows the centre’s release of the India AI Governance Guidelines in February 2026. The national framework was introduced to encourage AI adoption while addressing the technology’s associated risks.
TRAI’s latest exercise seeks to ensure that the principles established under the national framework are applied consistently across telecom networks and services.
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Seven Principles Form the Basis of India’s AI Governance Framework
The India AI Governance Guidelines are built around seven guiding principles, or sutras. These are:
- Trust is the Foundation
- People First
- Innovation over Restraint
- Fairness and Equity
- Accountability
- Understandable by Design
- Safety, Resilience and Sustainability
The principles place trust, fairness, public interest and accountability at the centre of AI deployment.
Why Responsible AI Matters for India’s Telecom Sector
The Ministry of Communications has highlighted the telecom sector’s importance to India’s digital infrastructure. Beyond providing public connectivity, telecom networks support essential government services, trade and commerce, and important information infrastructure.
The sector also has a significant role in national security and emergency response. This makes responsible AI adoption especially important, as the technology becomes more closely integrated into network operations and consumer services.
TRAI has published its draft consultation paper on its official website. Stakeholders can submit their written comments and suggestions until November 27, 2026.
The consultation will be an important step in determining how India’s national AI governance principles translate into the telecom sector, particularly as operators increase their use of AI in network management and customer-facing services.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
