Letters: Trai must change its focus

With reference to the editorial, "Improve telecom infra" (May 13), the Supreme Court has ruled against the imposition of penalty for call drops by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). The court's decision would help all stakeholders focus more on core issues.

Technology has to keep pace with the rapid increase in consumer access in the digital era. As intricacy and spread leapfrog, it is imperative that sophistication is assisted by unfailing connectivity. Even existing call drop norms need to be improved, as we get into more complex applications and higher density. Technology and the internet, in particular, have blurred the traditional boundaries between computing, telecommunications and broadcasting; in fact, the boundaries would now increasingly overlap.

It is time Trai shifted its focus from licensing, which prevents it from becoming a true enabler of convergence. Developing technologies must be piloted and leveraged for economic growth. Trai must be equipped to switch from its role as referee to a mentor with foresight and acumen, in a sector that seems to have limitless potential.

R Narayanan Ghaziabad

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