Time For Review

Is it time for a closer and harder look at the Indian telecom policies once
again? Perhaps yes, if one does not close his eyes to all the new developments
that are happening around us. The changes in network technology, increasing
number of big players, emergence of new access devices, demand for more and
newer services that will require more flexibility, and the limited amount of a
key resource-spectrum.

Experts claim, and rightly so, that as we see operators adopting
next-generation network architecture, and deployment of soft-switches and more
advanced OSS/BSS solutions, challenges will go up, if simultaneous re-defining
of policies such as for inter-connect, are not worked out. Similarly, the
existing framework has no flexibility to accommodate new services like IPTV. If
MTNL starts offering IPTV, will the operator then be a telecom operator or
become a broadcast company.

It does not require any crystal gazing to figure out that when operators
start transitioning from TDM to IP-based network technology, where flexible and
on demand bandwidth allocation to even the service providers will be possible,
regulatory inadequacies will come in the way.

Problems will not come only from technology advances at the service provider
end. What happens when a range of end-user devices including PDAs, smartphones,
laptops, would want to access the network and derive all information and
services, without restrictions? The current policies and licensing issues will
be a bottleneck, and require a quick resolution. That is if the government wants
operators and users in India to keep pace with technology, and be able to
leverage it.

The change in policies is needed as well as inevitable because more and more
intelligence is now getting built into telecom networks, which on one hand
permit separation of the network, transport and application layers of the
network, and on the other allow all of them to be managed seamlessly. This means
that different types of users will want anywhere, anytime, any type of service
from their operators. Also, the operators will not just be pipe suppliers, but
will keep adding value to the services they offer, in terms of information as
well as entertainment.

It will therefore be important to review both cable and broadcast laws in the
light of telecom laws, or vice versa, so that delivery of same services using
different network platforms is possible, and there is no compromise with quality
of services and tariffs, and no confusion in the market place. The Ministry of
Communication and the DoT, which fortunately has the full backing of the other
arms of the government, must fine-tune the regulatory framework for the
communications industry so that it keeps pace with emerging technology and user
needs.

It is crucial that India moves fast not just in terms of the number of
subscribers and manufacturing shops. India needs to move fast with its policies
also that enable better utilization of technology and services. Everybody knows
that quality of service in the country is questionable today; that not many new
services based on new technologies are coming up. Clear and better-defined
policies in the light of new technical possibilities will surely help.

ibrahima@cybermedia.co.in