I have been associated with the Indian Mobile Industry since its inception in 1995, we had just started commercial services in metro circles and was busy rolling out in circles. It was a particularly challenging time when TRAI had just started up and DoT was the policy maker, operator and regulator all rolled into one and the process of getting clearance for cell sites could take up to an year.

It gives me great pleasure to see that a struggling industry then has now transformed into the 2nd largest wireless network and has made an indelible mark in the global arena.  While, the scenario has drastically changed, however the challenges still remain albeit the face and size of the issues and challenges the face has altered.

 Q) What is the present focus for COAI when it comes to pushing industry issues and initiatives in India?

My immediate focus areas for the coming year are:
Rural Connectivity: It is expected that the next phase of growth will come from the rural India. There is a lot of potential in rural areas, which the operators are already exploiting. However, the aim should be to bring the tele-density level of rural areas at par with the urban areas. Only when mobile connectivity reaches the unconnected, will its benefits start to flow for them.

Mobile Broadband Penetration: The 3G and BWA auctions have been concluded rolling out is happening and operators have started launching 3G services. Operators have paid exorbitant amounts to gain the spectrum for 3G and BWA and now utilizing this spectrum to spread additional services to the masses at equally affordable prices as mobile telephony, will be a challenge for them.

However, to make India an information society, all of us will have to work towards providing such services as e-governance, e-education, e-health, mobile banking, etc. to the relevant sections of the society.

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Lowering of Levies and Duties: It is sad to see that the industry which is contributing so much towards the socio economic development of the country is burdened with such high levies and duties. It is very important that telecom is seen as an essential service and the levels of levies and duties on the industry are significantly brought down.

No longer should the mobile industry be viewed as an endless source of revenue to fix Government budget deficits but an essential national service that is to be nurtured so it can continue to contribute to economic development.

Enhanced Industry Profitability: The recent price wars in the voice segment of our business, the commoditization of voice services, increasing levies and taxes, mindless competition, some uneven regulatory policies have all contributed to the deteriorating profitability of our industry.

A “sick industry”, wasted of its financial health, cannot be an engine for national development! I hope we can move towards a competitive environment which caters to the needs of our customers, contributes to national development and provides a fair return on investments. I trust we have the talent and resources to ensure these are not mutually exclusive goals.

Development of an Enlightened regulatory Environment:  much of “Convergence”. This has led to an increasing need for multiple branches of Government to converge in developing regulatory policy – e.g., we have seen the IT, Broadcasting, telecommunications, Finance and Home ministries involved at some time, either individually or together, in mobility issues.
This clearly calls for a new paradigm for Regulation. No longer is it appropriate to have piece meal regulatory policy but a comprehensive regulatory structure that allows and fosters the dynamic forces of technology and the market place to drive innovation, value customer choice, economic development, investor confidence and national priorities.