Policies · eGov
TRAI released draft guidelines on October 30, 2026, proposing an AI governance framework for telecom networks and services, with stakeholder comments accepted until November 27, 2026.
✦ AI SUMMARY 30-second read
- Telecom entities would be required to classify AI systems into high, medium and low risk categories and obtain internal officer approval before deployment.
- Critical and high-severity AI-related incidents would have to be reported to TRAI in a prescribed format and within applicable timeframes.
- An AI Governance and Safety Committee would be established within applicable authorised entities to review performance, incidents, vulnerabilities and emerging risks.
Why it matters: The draft framework could reshape how telecom operators deploy and oversee AI systems, with direct implications for network reliability, consumer protection and grievance redressal.
This summary was generated by AI. Editors may review and update it.
Document details
| Document type | Rules & Regulation |
|---|---|
| Issued by | CERT-In / DoT / TRAI |
| Region | India |
| Published | 1 November 2026 |
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India released draft Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services on October 30, 2026. The document proposes a dedicated governance framework covering accountability, safety and consumer protection in the use of AI by telecom entities.
TRAI has invited written comments from stakeholders by November 27, 2026, allowing telecom operators, technology providers and other interested parties to respond before the regulator determines a final framework.
The consultation seeks to set clearer expectations for authorised telecom entities that use or plan to use AI in their networks and service delivery.
What the document says
Under the proposed rules, applicable authorised entities would be required to formulate internal AI policies approved by their boards of directors or equivalent governing bodies. Each policy would include a system for classifying AI applications as high-risk, medium-risk or low-risk, based on operational significance, financial and operational outcomes, and potential consumer implications.
AI systems would need approval from designated officers before deployment, with approval responsibilities assigned according to the risk classification of each system. The draft also proposes that telecom entities maintain a central database to record AI-related incidents and classify them by severity.
Critical and high-severity incidents would have to be reported to TRAI in the prescribed format within the applicable timeframe. Data used or generated during the lifecycle of AI systems would need to be handled in accordance with applicable data-protection, privacy, confidentiality and cybersecurity requirements.
The draft further proposes a grievance redressal mechanism for telecom users to report AI-related harm, with complaints to be resolved within a reasonable timeframe.
Who is affected
The proposals apply to authorised telecom entities that use or plan to use AI in their networks and services. Technology suppliers working with such entities could also face additional responsibilities involving documentation, system validation, risk assessment and incident management if the provisions are adopted.
Consumers stand to benefit from the proposed grievance redressal process and the requirements for human oversight of AI systems used in telecom networks and services.
Key governance structures proposed
The draft calls for an AI Governance and Safety Committee within each applicable authorised entity. This body would be responsible for reviewing AI performance, incident records, vulnerabilities and emerging risks.
Human oversight is a stated priority in the framework. AI systems deployed in telecom networks and services would require appropriate supervision to identify risks and address undesirable outcomes.
What happens next
Stakeholders have until November 27, 2026, to submit written comments on the draft guidelines. TRAI will consider the feedback received before deciding on the final framework.
The proposals arrive as AI applications are increasingly being integrated into telecom infrastructure, network management and customer-facing services.