The Hindu : Govt. unveils `Telecom Vision'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 12, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

Govt. unveils `Telecom Vision'

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD Jan. 11. The State Government made a presentation on its "Telecom Vision'' to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) here on Friday, which besides stating the Government's telecom plans, makes some suggestions like opening of TRAI offices in all State Capitals, and constitution of national and State-wise Consultative Councils.

Interestingly, it also suggests that the C-Dot (Centre for Development of Telematics), which was set up by Sam Pitroda during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure, should not be wound up. Rather it suggested that the organisation be strengthened and appropriate consultative and funding mechanisms worked out.

It also wanted a National Convention on Telecom and Information Policies to be held, with the involvement of the Central and State Governments, regulatory bodies, user bodies, academia, industry (services and manufacturing), and trade and businesses. It pointed out that the last such meet was held in 1987.

On its own plans, it mentions upgradation of all STD/ISD centres in the villages into public Internet kiosks delivering e-Seva among other things, and distributing relevant information to students, farmers and small businesses in villages.

High entry fee, large revenue shares and excessive spectrum charges must be avoided, and services should be made as cheap as possible and affordable to more and more sections of people, it said and suggested rollback of all existing conditions.

In another representation , the All India Sanchar Seva PCO Society wanted the PCO industry recognised as a major service provider to the public. Ganta Satyanarayana Reddy, president, said the PCO industry was having Rs. 8,000 crores as deposits with BSNL through 16 lakh PCOs in the country. Therefore its representatives should also be invited with other private operators for any discussions.

He pointed to some deficiencies in the existing structure, like lack of a uniform tariff for basic telephony units by basic service providers. Also, the common man is forced to pay highest tariff while sections who can afford to have telephone connections are charged lower tariffs, he pointed out.

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