DoT forms panel to meet 250mn target

A special group under the department of telecom (DoT) held discussions with industry stakeholders on achieving the targeted 250 million phone connections by 2007.

Cellular as well as unified service providers, among others, outlined their views on various policy and regulatory issues that need to be addressed to achieve the target, officials said.

The group, under the chairmanship of member, servies, Telecom Commission, has been set up to identify and clear the hurdles that are likely to come in the way of achieving the target.

While the increase in FDI/FII limit from 49% to 74% has already been announced in the union budget for 2005-06, industry representatives said it must be ensured that the terms and conditions in this regard are not such that they deter the inflow of FDI.

Cellular service providers asked the government for expiditious introduction of  unified licensing, which, they said, would immediately lead to increased competition in the long-distance segment and possibly result in nationwide calling at near local rates. This could boost the market - leading to increased subscriber growth and higher usage, they added.