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Even though the Department of Telecom has missed most of its targets for 2010-11, it has set fresh timelines for the current year including clearing all pending applications for spectrum within six months after the allocation policy is finalised.
According to the Results Framework Document (RFD) prepared by DoT, spectrum allocation policy will be approved by November 30, after which all pending applications will be taken up. ]
There are more than 200 pending applications from mobile operators for additional spectrum.
Other issues
Other issues on DoT's agenda include the New Telecom Policy, policy for introducing Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), comprehensive network security policy and guidelines for promoting local manufacturing. DoT has assigned weightage to each of its proposed activities and the new telecom policy carries the highest priority.
This comes even as the department has missed most of the targets set out last year. Except for conducting 3G auctions successfully and introduction of Mobile Number Portability, the DoT does not have much to show in its report card.
For example, the DoT had said that it will finalise the revised Mergers and Acquisition policy within two-and-half-months of receiving the TRAI recommendations.
Convergence policy
TRAI had sent its suggestions in February 2011, but the policy is yet to be finalised.
DoT had also committed to a convergence policy between IT, telecom and broadcasting which is also pending.
DoT has put the onus on TRAI for most of the delays on grounds that finalisation of the policies is dependant on getting TRAI's views.
DoT and TRAI have been going back and forth on a number of issues such as spectrum management, which has delayed decision making.
The RFD has been prepared by the Government for every major Ministries outlining the target and the expected time line for achieving the initiative.
The move is aimed at bringing more accountability in the functioning of the various Government departments.
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