NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecommunications is focusing on to bring a radical reform in existing regulatory framework so as the industry can invest and strategise well in advance.
“We have a responsibility for regulatory dimension, and working on to make India’s regulatory regime a global benchmark so that industry can plan investments ahead and invest in the sector,” Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications Thursday said.
Vaishnaw was speaking at the curtain raiser event organised by the telecom industry body that represents Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
“It’s time to replace legal and regulatory regime without any disruption. We want active participation from the industry to make a law.”
We are taking each suggestion on consultation paper seriously. We are examining each suggestion, he said, adding that the industry’s views would help in formulating the policies of the future.
Further, Vaishnaw said that the industry should come forward in the area of technology development locally, and make it for the world. There will be a goal in next 2-3 years.”
Prime minister Narendra Modi, according to him, has given a clear vision that India has to become a leader, and industry should help the country to become a leader in all parts of the value chain.
The minister also said that the Centre is working on to provide Rs 500 crore annual support to the industry.
Vaishnaw also said that the technology addition rate in India is phenomenal and industry would get dividends for taking connectivity to the last mile in far-flung villages.
“Chipset makers should go to universities, smaller colleges and schools to set up experience centres,” he added.
The senior minister also thanked the telecom industry for making the 5G auction a success. “It indicates that the sector has come a long way from uncertainties and legacy issues, and becoming a sunrise industry.”
Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State for Communications said that bids worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore indicates industry’s trust in Prime Minister and Minister of Communications.
“We have designed policies as per industry’s demand, and started a design-led PLI scheme. Government aims to facilitate ease of doing business.”
The Cellular Operators Association of India is organising the India Mobile Congress (IMC) from September 29 to October 1 in New Delhi, and is expecting a footfall of 70,000 individuals and more than 7000 industry executives.