India’s telecom regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), has proposed new TRAI AI guidelines for telecom networks and services. The draft framework aims to improve accountability, transparency and safety as telecom operators expand their use of artificial intelligence (AI).
TRAI released the draft guidelines on October 30, 2026, and invited stakeholders to submit comments by November 27, 2026. The proposal outlines how telecom companies should manage AI systems and address the risks associated with their deployment.
TRAI AI guidelines focus on accountability
The proposed TRAI AI guidelines call for telecom service providers and other authorised entities to establish clear policies for AI deployment. These policies would help companies monitor AI systems and take responsibility for their outcomes.
According to a PTI report published by Rediff, the draft framework proposes board-approved AI policies and dedicated governance and safety committees. These measures would give organisations a structured approach to managing AI-related risks.
The proposal also calls for companies to classify AI systems according to their potential risks. This classification would consider their impact on network operations, financial outcomes and consumer interests.
TRAI proposes AI incident reporting rules
The draft TRAI AI guidelines also address incidents involving AI systems. TRAI has proposed four severity levels: critical, high, moderate and low.
Under the proposed framework, telecom entities would need to report critical and high-severity AI incidents to the regulator. They would have to follow the prescribed reporting format and deadlines.
The proposal also calls for companies to maintain records of AI-related incidents and consumer complaints involving AI-related harm. Human oversight and appropriate safeguards would help organisations identify problems and respond to harmful outcomes.
These measures could improve accountability when AI systems malfunction, affect network performance or cause problems for consumers.
Why AI governance matters for telecom networks
Telecom operators increasingly use AI to manage network traffic, detect technical faults, automate customer support and improve operational efficiency. These applications can help companies deliver services more effectively.
However, greater dependence on AI also creates risks involving security, reliability, fairness and consumer protection. Errors in automated systems could disrupt network operations or affect the way customers access essential services.
Telecom networks support emergency communications, public services and commercial activity. Effective AI governance can therefore help operators protect network reliability while introducing new technologies.
The TRAI AI guidelines also reflect India’s wider effort to establish responsible AI practices. The government released its India AI Governance Guidelines in February 2026, emphasising principles such as transparency, accountability, fairness and safety.
Stakeholders can submit comments by November 27
TRAI has invited stakeholders to submit written comments on the draft guidelines by November 27, 2026. The consultation will give telecom operators and other interested parties an opportunity to share their views.
The regulator may consider stakeholder feedback before finalising the framework. The guidelines remain a proposal, so telecom companies should not treat them as final rules already in force.
The proposed TRAI AI guidelines could establish a clearer framework for AI governance across India’s telecommunications sector. Their final impact will depend on the provisions TRAI adopts after the consultation process.
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