Sushma Swaraj, union
communications minister, has been credited with taking a number of decisions in the last
two months. Recommendation for privatization of Internet gateways, DoT corporatization,
infrastructure status to paging and VSAT industries, and reduction in the double rental of
the leased line are some of them. In fact, the pace with which the long pending issues
have been taken up one after another is worth appreciating. But still there is a lot to be
done before winning the confidence of the communication industry. In an exclusive
interview to Voice & Data, Sushma Swaraj talks about her agenda. Excerpts:
In an interview to a daily you
have mentioned that if India lags behind in telephone revolution, then it will become a
backward nation in the future. What are the steps you have planned to kick-start the
telecom revolution?
In order to boost telecom development,
both in quantitative and qualitative terms, the government has launched a multi-pronged
strategy. The thrust is on restructuring DoT, and proliferation of enhanced telecom
services such as Internet, phone plus, and multimedia. These, however, would be achieved
with the extensive participation of DoT and the private sector and, to this extent, the
problems related to these would be addressed on a priority basis.
You have been credited as
moving at super-sonic speed in resolving existing telecom issues. Can you briefly discuss
those decisions? Also what are the major decisions that the country should look forward to
in the coming three months?
The major issues drawing the attention of
the government for the present relate to the problems faced by the basic and value-added
telephone service providers, restructuring of DoT, and the
introduction of a variety of new telecom services such as Global Mobile Personal
Communication Systems (GMPCS), phone plus, multimedia, and Internet services so as to make
these available in every part of the country. Telecommunications in the rural, tribal, and
inaccessible regions will receive special attention.
While addressing the issues of the
cellular industry, you have asked BICP to submit its report. But it seems nothing much has
moved in resolving the basic service operators problems. Also when do you wish to announce
the fourth round of bidding in basic services?
With regard to basic telephone service
licences, many problems pertaining to the licence conditions were resolved before the
licences were awarded. However, the problem relating to right-of-way in the cities as well
as along the highways has surfaced during the course of implementing these projects. The
Department is trying its best to resolve this issue through inter-ministerial
consultations. With regard to the upfront licence fee payable by these licensees, it has
to be appreciated that the fee was quoted by the licensees themselves and as such there is
nothing much that the government can do. With respect to the next round of bidding for the
basic telephone service, internal discussions are on to eliminate some of the problems
experienced during the first phase of tendering. A decision on this is likely to be taken
in the near future.
Corporatization of DoT is being given a
lot of emphasis. What is your modus-operandi in fulfilling the promise?
The matter regarding corporatization of
DoT is being processed actively through inter-ministerial consultations.
There is no dearth of investments but
the lack of transparency and consistency in policy making has affected the investors’
confidence. How will you ensure a policy wouldn’t change as frequently as the
governments?
It would not be correct to say that the
investors’ confidence was shaken up on account of lack of transparency and
consistency in implementing the telecom reforms process. Only four years have passed since
telecom service sector was fully liberalized after formulation of National Telecom Policy
in 1994. Some teething problems are inevitable. Partly, the problem is due to high licence
fees quoted by the operators. However, the government has taken seize of the problem and
would like to resolve it speedily in the interest of telecom development in the country.
Opening up of long distance calls to
the private operators is a long awaited decision. Is there anything substantial in the
offing?
As regards to reviewing the policy on
carriage of long distance traffic (STD/ISD), we stand committed to World Trade
Organization for its review by the year 1999.
Tussle between DoT as a monopoly and
the regulator has unnecessarily delayed the decisions. Have you taken any initiative to
prevent this from happening again?
The Telecom Commission and the Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have to play complimentary roles in the development
of telecom service in India keeping in view the overall interest of the consumers. Once
this objective is clear, there cannot be any difference in perception. In fact, they have
a common goal to achieve.
The government, therefore, would like to
create an environment of mutual faith and a sense of partnership within the two
organizations for achieving the aforesaid objective. Any other role by either body is
totally unacceptable to the government. However, there are some grey areas with regard to
the respective roles of DoT and TRAI under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act,
1997. The government has sought an authoritative interpretation of the Act from the Delhi
High Court. Further action will be taken in the light of the High Court decision.
You have talked about creating special
cells to cater to the problems of different industry segments. When is it in the offing
and in what structure?
This matter is under consideration of the
government and likely to be finalized soon.
As the communications minister of
India, what are your commitments to the common telecom user in this country?
Telecom services have assumed significant
status in the process of nation building and to this end the customer’s satisfaction
is of paramount importance. I would also like to upgrade the telecom infrastructure in
such a way that the needs of the talented younger generation are fully met to enhance
their participation and contribution at the global level. n