The Hindu Business Line : GSM operators, IT sector praise Maran's `good work'

Key policy initiatives
Telecom FDI cap increased to 74%.
Entry fee for long distance licence lowered.
Broadband policy, that laid the foundation for high-speed connectivity.
Semi conductor policy giving incentives for local fab manufacturing.
Attracting telecom gear manufacturers to set up local facilities.
One India plan that brought STD rates to Re 1 per minute.

New Delhi May 14 GSM-based mobile operators and the IT industry had a good word on Monday for the outgoing Communications and IT Minister Mr Dayanidhi Maran.

Saying that Mr Maran had put the Indian telecom and IT sectors on the global map, the Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India, Mr T.V. Ramachandran said: "The Telecom sector reached new heights under his leadership. The policy initiated by him has enabled Indian telecom consumers to get the best of services at the cheapest tariff. Even as we acknowledge and appreciate Mr Maran's contribution, we are looking forward to working closely with his successor in taking the growth to the next level."

Nasscom, the apex body for IT, said that Mr Maran was instrumental in reinforcing India's position as the premier destination for IT outsourcing and in taking great interest in promoting the growth of the domestic market for IT.

"Mr Maran has been a great champion and friend of the Indian IT sector. Nasscom, on behalf of the Indian IT industry, would like to put on record its appreciation of the very positive and important role played by Mr Maran in sustaining the growth of this industry over the last 3 years. His efforts have resulted in India becoming an increasingly important location for the IT hardware industry also," Nasscom said.

The industry also expressed concern that Mr Maran's exit could further delay the policy for third-generation mobile services and allocation of additional spectrum for existing players. Mr Maran was working closely with the Defence Ministry to get the spectrum vacated.

Related Stories:
DMK wants Maran dropped from Cabinet

More Stories on : Telecommunications | Politics | People

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page