FICCI welcomes draft telecom policy

FICCI welcomes draft telecom policy brought by the Department of Telecommunications on May 1, 2018.

Considering the rapidly changing landscape of ICT sector of India, the draft policy is indeed a timely step towards a rethink on the overall development and direction of the sector, keeping in mind the interest of the Indian citizen.

The draft policy is a consultation-based, well-considered document which addresses nearly all issues in the communications sector, such as licensing and regulatory reforms, reduction of costs, review of universal service obligation fund, augmentation of telecom infrastructure, new technologies such as 5G, IoT and AI etc. With a focus on building state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, the policy is expected to usher in a new era for the communications sector with a light-touch, forward-looking, technology-friendly regulatory environment.

FICCI was invited by DoT to provide inputs specifically in the area of licensing reforms. The FICCI-ICT & Digital Economy Committee engaged in a six-month process with members to submit detailed recommendations in January 2018. A vast majority of the recommendations made by FICCI are incorporated in the draft policy.

FICCI is committed to continue its engagement as the draft policy is open for further consultation. It will work through its members to join deliberations and provide further inputs as the policy is brought to its final form. We hope that the policy will be ready for announcement by the Monsoon Session of Parliament in 2018.