National Telecom Policy 2011 coming soon: Kapil Sibal -

Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communications and IT has chalked out a 100-point plan for the telecom sector, in order to enhance transparency and efficiency of the space. Moreover, framing the National Telecom Policy 2011 is also in the pipeline.

To this end, Sibal plans to hold consultations with stakeholders to formulate a clear and transparent telecom regime covering the subjects of licensing, spectrum allocation, tariffs/pricing, flexibility within licences, spectrum sharing, spectrum trading and, merger and acquisitions.

He added that three elements, namely revenue for the government, affordable services to users and robust growth of the sector will be the base on which the new telecom policy would be built. Further, he asserted that serious attempts will be made to make spectrum available to the industry after initiating a dialogue with the Department of Space, Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Defence to get the spectrum vacated for civil use.

Moreover, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) would ensure implementation of mobile number portability (MNP) in the entire country by 20 January, 2011. Similarly, all security-related concerns regarding BlackBerry and 3G services, procurement of telecom equipment and subscriber verification will also be resolved shortly. Also, the Central Monitoring System is to be established, to facilitate and prevent misuse of lawful interception facility.

Each department will undertake the following plan of action:

Department of Telecommunications

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will hold consultations with key stakeholders to evolve a clear and transparent regime covering Licensing, Spectrum allocation, tariffs/pricing, linkage with roll out performance, flexibility within licenses, spectrum sharing, spectrum trading, MVNOs, unlicensed bands, M&A, etc. in a technology agnostitc environment after due consideration of TRAI recommendations. In this regard, interest of the ?Aam Aadmi? would be the prime consideration.

To ensure availability of Spectrum for telecom industry, dialogue will be initiated with Department of Space/Information & Broadcasting/Defence, PSUs on ?Vacation of Spectrum? and for identification of Defence Band and Defence Interest Zone. National Frequency Allocation Plan 2011 (NFAP) shall be released. Spectrum allocations, availability and status of pending applications for spectrum shall be published on the department?s web site.

Immediate steps will be taken to resolve outstanding ?Security issues?. Steps will be taken to enable operators to launch 3G services in their entire plenitude without delay. Security issues regarding telecom equipment procurement, messenger services and subscriber verification will be resolved. Steps will be taken to establish the Central Monitoring System which will facilitate and prevent misuse of lawful interception facility.

11 years have passed since NTP ?99 and many changes have taken place thereafter. Action will be initiated to formulate a comprehensive ?National Telecom Policy 2011? including the recognition of Telecom as infrastructure and as an essential service, encouraging Green Telecom, steps to accelerate migration from IPv4 to IPv6 at the earliest, release of IPv6 standards by Telecom Engineering Centre for implementation in the country, etc.

All possible efforts will be made to fill up Board Level vacancies in PSUs and for greater participation of BSNL/ MTNL and C-DOT in national and socially important programmes, while addressing structural issues, improving internal efficiency and financial performance of BSNL/ MTNL.

Country-wide launch of ?Mobile Number Portability?.

Vigorous measures will be taken to address public concerns about health hazards due to the EMF radiation from Mobile towers including laying down relevant standards, supplementing equipment with TERM Cells and ensuring adequate field-testing.

Formulation of a package of measures to promote ?manufacturing of telecom equipment? in the country.

Launch of a ?Wireless Broadband Scheme? by USOF to provide wireless broadband coverage to about 5 lakh villages, leveraging the existing passive infrastructure created for mobile telephony in rural and remote areas.

Concrete steps towards finalization of ?National Broadband Plan? including strategy for implementation and initiation of steps for roll out of Optical Fibre.

Department of Information Technology

E-Governance

Nationwide Rollout of E District Mission Mode Project

Drafting of Electronic Service Delivery Bill

Pilot Scheme for Empowering women in Rural India through digital literacy

Policy on Mobile Governance – Draft Consultation Document

Electronic Hardware Manufacturing : Finalizing Roadmap regarding :

Setting up a National Electronic Mission

Modification of Special Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS) to enhance investments in the Electronic EcSystem

Working out modalities to attract investment to set up Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB) Units

Setting up an Electronic Development Fund to promote innovation, R&D, Indian IPR and development of Indian micro processor

Standardisation, Testing and Calibration

STQC (Standardisation, Testing, Quality & Certification) to setup infrastructure at Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad for testing of large area Photo Voltaic Modules and Panels