On 22 January 2021, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) published its Report summarising the main findings of the Market Study on the Telecom Sector in India (Market Study).

The Market Study, with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations participating as implementation partner, was launched in January 2020. The Report summarises the main findings of the Market Study (which has not itself been published). The 30-page Report traces the recent history of the telecom industry, highlighting trends and market outcomes. It discusses the key competition issues facing the industry now and in the near future. Finally, it provides a summary of the competition issues, making observations and giving indications of the way forward.

In this briefing we outline the position taken by the CCI in relation to these key competition issues. As will be seen, the Report does not give the CCI’s definitive or final view on these issues. Although some helpful indications of its position are given, it often summarises the views of “experts” without giving a view itself. As an exercise in advocacy, it is also concerned to inform the view of sectoral regulators. Important as it is, in many respects the Report is a “work in progress”.

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