The Cabinet on Thursday cleared the National Telecom Policy 2012 which envisages a slew of initiatives, including free roaming, unrestricted Net telephony and a new unified licensing regime for operators.
The policy gives specific emphasis to push broadband uptake and increase local manufacturing of telecom equipment. The policy document is, however, silent about when and how the proposals will be implemented.
The biggest gain would be for those who travel a lot, as roaming charges are set to be abolished. This means that subscriber will get free incoming calls and outgoing calls at local tariffs anywhere in the country.
Introduction of inter-circle Mobile Number Portability will enable users carry their phone number from one State to another. For example, an Airtel user in Delhi can shift to Vodafone's network in Chennai and retain the phone number. Currently, MNP is allowed only if the user wants to change operator in the same circle.
unrestricted Net telephony
The other major gain for consumers will be on the proposal to allow unrestricted Internet telephony. This will allow subscribers to use the Internet to make local and STD calls to a fixed or mobile user. This is also good for Internet Service Providers such as Reliance Industries promoted Reliance Infotel, as unrestricted Net telephony will allow them to offer voice services on top of data.
The new policy comes at a time when the telecom sector is reeling under the multiple impact of the 2G spectrum scam, falling revenues for operators and the resultant tariff hikes.
Keywords: New Telecom Policy, roaming charges, unified licence, spectrum, mobile number portability,
Comments:
abolition of roaming charges is a very good consumer centric initiative.should be implemented with out delay..
Abolition of roaming charges under the New Telecom Policy 2012 is a very
much welcome step. Implementation of the decision would have come long
before. However,the policy decision should be implemented with immediate
effect.
Abolition of roaming charges is a measure which is long overdue. Government should specify a time frame. By virtue of past experience, and tracking the telecom policy, there is no guarantee that we can have a positive news in the near future. Further, tele companies who have paid different spectrum charges of varying amount for different circles, may also take immediate measures. However, this people friendly approach should be in place at the earliest. India should be like one circle - one number. No roaming.
good idea for telecom industry but this scheme apply quickly.
The new telecom policy is pathbreaking and welcome. I remember some years back, we used to talk over skype to the fixed line and mobile consumers for free. But now it is for a price, hence, it will be quite interesting to see as to how the Govt. is going to implement the policy; whether it would be free net telephone or for a price. If it is priced, it will be no use of the policy. Hope better wisdom prevails on the Govt.
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