The main thrust of the National Telecom Policy 2012 is the multiplier effect on economy-enhancing equity and inclusiveness
NEW DELHI, INDIA: In a prelude to 'India Telecom 2012' event with the theme ‘New Policy Framework; Envisioning the Next Telecom Revolution,’ to be held in December, industry body FICCI organized a curtain raiser ceremony in New Delhi today.
FICCI president R V Kanoria said that telecom growth story is incredible. “There is a need to build confidence and attract investment in the sector,” he added.
Telecom Secretary R Chandrashekhar said that since 2006, 'India Telecom' event has become 'high-flying' event. “Contribution of private partners is very impressive since these players constitute 88 per cent in the sectoral growth,” he informed.
"Telecom growth", Chandrashekhar said, "envisages transformation of a country as a knowledge-based society."
The main thrust of the National Telecom Policy 2012 is the multiplier effect on economy-enhancing equity and inclusiveness, he added.
The policy, he said also recognizes the predominant role of service operators. “There is an exciting phase of next telecom revolution led by broadband,” Chandrashekhar added.
Telecom and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said that the country is at the threshold of another telecom revolution led by data services. “We are in the midst of an upswing in the telecom industry,” he said.
The sector, Sibal said contributes three per cent to the GDP growth. The roadmap for the industry, he said is very clear. We have to move forward and the industry should work together.
Lambasting the BJP-led Parliament logjam, Sibal feels that the paralysis is only in the mindset. “The Opposition’s greed for power is actually hampering the national growth,” he added.
The government, Sibal said, has taken many vital steps and there is no decision making inertia. He believes that it is the operators who delay services roll-out.
Minister of State for Communications and IT Milind Deora said that despite of growing teledensity, the telecom industry is yet to evolve. “We aim to achieve 100 per cent rural tele-density by 2020,” he said.
Deora said that they are ensuring that spectrum is allocated as per market dynamism. He also said that industry and government are working closely to facilitate Green telecom.
Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications and IT said that as the industry reaches at growth trajectory, the challenges needs to be addressed simultaneously.
“Spectrum availability at market-determined price; 1 billion mobile users at cheapest possible price points; and competition within sector to remain robust—are the pivotal objectives of NTP 2012,” Pilot said.
