In a statement issued on the draft National Telecom Policy 2011, the Cellular Operators Association of India said, ?The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) compliments the Minister of Telecommunications and IT, Kapil Sibal, on the release of the draft National Telecom Policy 2011, which was released today for public consultation.?
?The categorisation of the industry as infrastructure will positively add impetus to its growth and help in further expansion of networks thus realising the government’s vision.?
?Further, the policy promoting the availability of an additional 300 MHz of spectrum for IMT services by 2017 and another 200 MHz by 2020; is highly appreciated by the industry and expectations will be set on allocation of the same in affordable and timely manner so to ensure even and optimum distribution of the service nationally.?
?The aggressive targets for increasing rural teledensity are also a welcome initiative and we are hopeful that this will aid the overall development of the country-wide infrastructure, and economic as well as demographic conditions.?
?Sibal has kept his word on implementation of the policy guidelines as the foremost objective while revenue generation has been considered as secondary. We are hopeful that the policy will also take into consideration reduction in regulatory cost which is amongst the highest in the world.?
?COAI is hopeful that the policy will ensure a level playing field for all the stakeholders by increasing affordability of services to the consumers while at the same time, sustaining the financial health of the sector. COAI and its members will look forward to working with the government on the implementation of the policy as and when it is finalised.?
