The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has floated a consultation paper proposing a regulatory framework for quality of service in 5G network slicing, as the telecom sector prepares for wider deployment of enterprise-focused 5G services.
Network slicing allows telecom operators to create multiple virtual networks on the same 5G infrastructure, with each "slice" tailored for a specific use case such as manufacturing, healthcare, autonomous mobility or smart cities. The regulator is seeking stakeholder comments on how service quality should be measured and monitored without impacting regular mobile users.
The consultation paper proposes that operators monitor the quality of each network slice separately, with performance parameters linked to factors such as latency, throughput, reliability and service availability. It also seeks views on whether operators should maintain a minimum threshold of physical resource blocks to ensure agreed service quality for each slice.
The move comes as telecom operators look to monetise 5G investments through enterprise services, with network slicing expected to become a key revenue stream beyond consumer mobile broadband.
Legal experts welcomed the consultation but said the operational feasibility of the proposals would ultimately depend on telecom operators.
"TRAI's consultation paper proposing quality of service norms for 5G network slicing is a welcome step. It is in consonance with the recent emphasis on quality of access and interference-free networks in India's telecom market," said Shashank Mishra, partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
"However, the telecom operators would be best placed to assess the technical feasibility and practicality of TRAI's proposal. It would be good to hear their views on whether quality of services in case of 5G slicing should solely rely on the PRB threshold given that may not be the sole indicator," he added.
The consultation also examines whether differentiated quality commitments for enterprise customers can coexist with existing net neutrality principles while ensuring that premium services do not compromise the experience of ordinary mobile subscribers.
Stakeholder comments on the consultation paper will shape TRAI's final recommendations for commercial deployment of 5G network slicing in India.
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