Today’s latest telecom news includes announced around US tariffs, Samsung India strike, auction for satellite spectrum, among others.
US Imposes 27% Tariffs on India Over Telecom Barriers
The US has announced a 27 percent tariff on India’s exports starting April 9, 2025, due to telecom barriers like India’s Communication Security Certification Scheme (ComSec), which raises costs for US companies. The US criticized India’s higher tariffs on networking equipment and says these barriers lead to $5.3 billion in lost exports annually. This move highlights trade challenges affecting the telecom industry.
Samsung India Worker Union Issues Strike Notice at Sriperumbudur Plant
The Samsung India Thozhilalar Sangam, part of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has issued a 14-day strike notice at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur factory in Tamil Nadu. The union is asking for the reinstatement of 23 suspended workers, recognition of their union, and a wage agreement. If these demands are not met, the union will strike after 14 days. The dispute highlights worker rights and communication issues in the factory.
Satellite Spectrum to Be Given Without Auction, Says Minister
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that satellite spectrum in India will be assigned directly, not through auctions, following global practices. This is different from mobile spectrum, which needs auctions. No country auctions satellite spectrum. In India, the price will be set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and it will be available to all providers equally. This change helps align India’s policies with global standards.
Railways Links with DoT Portal to Help Passengers Recover Lost Phones
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has connected with the Department of Telecommunication’s (DoT) Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal to help passengers recover lost or stolen mobile phones. The portal blocks the IMEI numbers of stolen phones to make them unusable. After a trial in Northeast Frontier Railway, this service is now available across Indian Railways. Passengers can report lost phones via the Rail Madad platform, and RPF will work with CEIR to track and block them for recovery.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
