Consultation paper posted on IPT for feedback

A consultation paper has been posted on the IPT (internet protocol television) for feedback from the cable association, multiple system operators and content providers if legal changes in the Telegraph Act or Indian Cable Act or changes in licence are required, said Nipendra Misra, chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

In his inaugural address at the international conference on Asia-Pacific Telecommunications and ICT Development Forum, he said that the paper was posted so as to prevent any litigations arising from the Telegraph Act or Indian Cable Act.

The fact lies in developing a commercial model, which is capable of providing access, network as well as appreciate the role of content provider.

The answer lies in having a balanced combination of growth of Wi-Fi and Wi-Max, based on the sensitivity of the demand of subscriber, said Misra.

AK Sinha, CMD, BSNL said, "We are in the process of modernising our network to extend benefits of next generation technologies to the customers. The process for establishment of a public wireless access network with Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) and Wi-Max fora across the country has already taken off."

This project is being taken up on turnkey basis. For Wi-Fi, 15 cities have been identified to deploy 300 hot spots at important locations like airports, hotels, university campuses, shopping malls, said Sinha.

The work on wi-Max forum has been undertaken in five major cities namely Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and satellite towns of Delhi and Mumbai on experimental basis.

Wi-Max equipment is being deployed to test its suitability and other features for rural application.

This will not only help in faster roll out in far-flung areas but will also enable us to provide wide gamut of telecom services.