As the Communications and Information Technology Ministry gears to introduce three new crucial policies — the much-awaited National Telecom Policy-2011; the Electronics Policy; and the IT Policy, in the next few days — Union Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday unveiled the National Frequency Allocation Plan-2011 (NAFP) that will help in better management of spectrum, besides development and promotion of indigenous manufacturing and technologies in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
To be effective from October 1, the NFAP-2011 contains spectrum allocation for various radio communication services and applications in different frequency bands. It will provide the basis for development, manufacturing and spectrum utilisation activities, both for the government and private sectors.
“In today's society, radio spectrum is becoming increasingly important for all walks of life and needs to be managed rationally. While spectrum management has always been important, the complexity of the task has been compounded by the proliferation of both traditional and entirely new radio spectrum frequency-using services in recent years. It is essential that these scarce resources be used rationally, optimally, efficiently and economically so that equitable access could be available to a large variety of radio communication network in an interference-free radio environment,” Mr. Sibal told reporters here after releasing the policy document.
The Minister said planning of frequency bands for various services and applications for their co-existence without constraining the existing assignments was essential. “The growing demand for information-rich content, faster access and mobility by both commercial and captive users is increasingly being met by broadband wireless application. The new plan will help the ICT sector prepare for future growth and bring about revolution in the sector, thereby leading to enhanced economic growth,” Mr. Sibal added.
Referring to the shortage of spectrum in the country, Mr. Sibal said talks were on with the Defence Ministry for vacation of additional radio frequency that was required for growth of both voice and data services.
“While there is one block of wireless broadband spectrum available, which will be auctioned in the near future, more radio frequency is needed for the growth of mobile services. The forthcoming National Telecom Policy-2011 will address issues related to spectrum management so that radio frequency can be used more efficiently,” Mr. Sibal added.
