It is a great vision where Kapil SIbal has taken a bold step and has laid out India’s Draft New Telecom Policy 2011 and content of the same is as appended below:
The Draft NTP-2011 suggests the creation of technology neutral Unified Licenses (under the One Nation-One License) policy, that is envisaged in two separate categories – the Network Service Operator / Communication Network Service Operator (CNSO), which is licensed to maintain converged networks for delivering “various types of services e.g. Voice, Data, Video, broadcast, IPTV, VAS etc.”, very importantly, in a non-exclusive and non-discriminatory manner.
The second would be a Service Delivery Operator (SDO) / Communication Service Delivery Operator (CSDO). The Service Delivery Operator (SDO) would be licensed to deliver any/ all services e.g. tele-services (voice, data, video), internet/broadband, broadcast services, IPTV, Value Added Service and content delivery services etc.
Good Aspects of Policy
Now for a layman, it will become one nation and no circles and no roaming charges. Moreover number portability can be undertaken in any circle. However do not jump to conclusion as it is a draft policy and comments are being sought from one and all.
Discontent
Sunil Mittal voiced his concern over the New Wave Companies (Google/Apple/Facebook etc.) that are not regulated. These companies do not pay taxes, nor do they have massive investments in infrastructure. These companies ride on the existing Telecom Network Infrastructure, and they also refuse to offer any kind of revenue share. He was also greatly concerned about the digital applications being able to by-pass the Telcos and depriving them of revenue through these streams. If this trend continues then the Telcos would have no choice but to increase call rates, which in turn would be counterproductive for the services to the rural and backward areas. He suggested there should be Regulations to ensure the Digital media does not violate the Telco’s space.
Will India’s Draft New Telecom Policy 2011 See Light of the Day ?
Now this is a crucial question as all good intentions always meet with resistance. For a retail user abolishment of roaming charges is a win-win situation. However telecom companies are going to fight it tooth and nail as roaming charges provide them more than Rs 10000 Crore annually.
As a passing note just keep visiting our website and do remember to leave comments. Also have access to our free and daily stock picks which is helping people make money every day at NSE and BSE.