As the voice telephony reaching the brink, data-driven services is an area that industry should look ahead and make it as a business-utility case, tells telecom secretary R Chandrashekhar, while speaking to Muntazir Abbas of CIOL on a gamut of issues. Excerpts:

CIOL: C-DoT is in the process to unveil interception system. Share an update on it?

R Chandrashekhar: The process is underway to look at interception related problems. The interception system would be automatic that could be applied for lawful intervention.

CIOL: Were the issue with BlackBerry services resolved?

R Chandrashekhar: By and large- the issue has been addressed and whole class of services has been discussed with the security agencies and has been implemented currently.

CIOL: Is it true that the US trade groups are pressurizing Indian Government to shun ambitious Preferential Market Access (PMA) policy?

R Chandrashekhar: It is incorrect to say- 'pressurizing'. Certain views have been put across to the government. Preferential Market Access (PMA) policy has been approved by the Cabinet and notified. Guidelines have already been issued. It also relates to security implications that includes set of product lines and elements of infrastructure that are sensitive. It is a matter of national security.

As a part of wider dialogue, there is a consultation process with the industry and the paper is put on our Website. The policy encompasses to set up manufacturing base in India and to meet value-addition norms. The dialogue process, therefore will continue.

CIOL: The telecom industry feels that if government is delinking license with spectrum, then 3G roaming pacts should be allowed. What's you view?

R Chandrashekhar: We believe that we shouldn't allow 3G roaming services and it's not expected too. Why should a telco offer 3G services without having 3G spectrum in that circle? If it's allowed, then why any telco would bid? If an operator can provide services in all 22 circles, then it would have severe impact on entire auction process.