It Task Force Plans To Sharpen Focus On Technology Synergy

The Prime Minister's information technology (IT) task force is to hold discussions with the department of telecommunications (DoT), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the ministry for information and broadcasting on convergence between telecom, computing and broadcasting technologies.

Sources said the meetings have not been scheduled yet, but would take place after the task force finalises its second report on the IT hardware sector. This is expected to take place by next month.

The meetings will focus on the convergence of telecom, IT and broadcasting in technologies like cable television and Net TV.

A note on Internet services in the country prepared by the telecom regulator raises the question: "In view of the inherent advantage of convergence and the fact that there is already an extensive proliferation of Cable TV networks (though unregulated) in practically all cities, what regulatory measures are essential to ensure optimum utilisation of this infrastructure for a high quality and economical Internet service to consumers?"

It asks, "Is it worth considering a policy to permit bundling of the three services (voice, video and data) for an integrated network development which would also promote Internet growth? What would be its impact on the viability of basic service providers."

Sources said the meetings would be significance as both the communications and information and broadcasting ministries are headed by the same minister, Sushma Swaraj.

There was an earlier proposal, by private industry and experts, to merge the two ministries. However, this could not be implemented due to the complexity of the task.

Recently, following a TRAI recommendation, the licence period for Internet service providers (ISPs) has been extended to between 15 and 20 years, instead of the proposed 10 years.

The task force has been holding meetings with TRAI to discuss the changes needed in the country's telecom regulations to enable the rapid spread of computers and Internet in the country.

Sources said TRAI was against the geographical categorisation for ISPs and the performance bank guarantees proposed by the DoT. These changes will soon be incorporated in a draft licence agreement for ISPs. The meetings with TRAI, which started last week, are being held in preparation of the IT task force's reports.

The team, which submitted its first report on July 4, held discussions with experts in Hyderabad, Chennai and Calcutta to prepare the second report. It is to start the preparation of its final report, which will be finalised before the end of the year.