On track to reach 250m phones by 2007: COAI

NEW DELHI: Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has reaffirmed its dedication and resolve in the matter of achieving even excelling the Government — set target of 250 million phone users by 2007 and creating an equitable information society.






"Sharing of infrastructure to reduce costs, a more viable interconnection and ADC regime, removal of unreasonable obstacles to prepaid subscriber acquisition, earliest introduction of 3G services harmonized with the world, etc, are urgently needed to catalyze the growth to 200 million mobiles by December 2007". These were some of the course corrections pointed out by COAI director general TV Ramachandran that have to be effected urgently in order to make the journey to 200 million mobiles smooth and successful. He was speaking on the occasion of the World Telecom Day on Tuesday.





Ramachandran also pointed out, "The COAI projection eminently depicts the possibility that, given the policy support on these few fronts, and, even assuming a significantly lower year-on-year growth compared to China, India can comfortably reach 207 million by December 2007. Even assuming little growth on the existing fixed phone base, the total target of 250 million phones is realistic and achievable."





He added that the COAI remains completely committed to playing its role for the much — needed growth of affordable world class mobile telephony in the nation and thus delivering abundant economic benefits to the economy and the people of India.