Maran to revamp telecom policy

The government today annnounced a revamp of the telecom policy to reduce the cost to customers.

"The revamped policy would take full advantage of the latest technologicial developments, to take the country's communication services forward and make facilities truly world class," Dayanidhi Maran, the new Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister said while taking charge.

He also unveiled a ten-point agenda for development of the sector with emphasis on outsourcing, broadband growth and re-introduction of the Convergence Bill.

Listing out the priorities of his ministry, Maran said he would like to see the growth of broadband since the use of internet and broadband facility were still limited in India. He said that he would study the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's recommendations in this regard.

He said that despite the pressure from the US, India would be developed as a "global hub". He pointed out, "I shall endeavour to make India the world's hub for outsourcing skilled manpower in the IT sector,".

Sidestepping the suggestions of the Information and Broadcasting Minister Jaipal Reddy for a separate broadcast regulator at the time of convergence, he said that the Convergence Bill needed to be reintroduced and interests of all concerned parties would be taken into account.

Maran said he would ensure that reforms initiated by the previous NDA government were taken forward. Consumers were important and the focus of reforms was to pass on the benefits to them, he said.

The minister said the country needed to grow beyond the current tele-density of seven to expand to the remotest corner of the country.

He also stressed on improving the quality of service.

"Our interest is to make sure that we achieve more teledensity. How we achieve it, is what we have to look into. I am sure that the teledensity can be doubled in next two to three years," he said.

He also said that competition should be used as a tool to counter pressures from large industrial houses like Reliance, Bharti and the Tatas.

His other priorities included higher usage of personal computers and national internet exchange and Indian domain name. He also was in favour of the domestic manufacturing of telecom equipment. He said that the country should follow a restrained approach regarding foreign direct investment.

The minister, who is also in charge of postal services, said the Department of Post had to be modernised along with a facelift.