TRAI, also known as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, was set up under the TRAI Act of 1997 and came into being because of opening the telecommunication sector to private operators. TRAI is a mandatory and crucial topic in the syllabus of UPSC, as students who prepare for IAS Exam or any other government exam must have the required knowledge about TRAI. It was set up to create a suitable environment for the growth of the telecommunication industry and for it to be a part of the global information society. Established on February 20, 1997, by an Act of Parliament, it includes revision and fixation of tariffs for telecom services vested in the Central Government.
The structure of TRAI is as follows-
· TRAI has a chairman, and in addition to this, it must have at least two full-time members and not more than two-part members where the Central Government appoints all members
· Seniors or retired government officers who have served at least three years as secretary or additional secretary to the Union or State Government will be appointed as the members
· Members must possess knowledge or professional expertise in the industry, finance, accountancy, management, telecom, law, Digital Content, and consumer affairs
