Government of India favors reduction in data tariffs

Data tariff is expected to reduce further with the scaling up of data services by way of innovation and surge in content. While speaking during the inaugural session of Broadband Tech India 2014, AK Bhargava, Advisor (Technology), Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications & IT, Government of India said that Government of India is in favor of reducing data tariff, as the country is getting ready for 3G and 4G spectrum auctions.

The announcement comes as the Department of Telecommunications is preparing to roll out spectrum auctions, which is expected to intensify the competition between service providers, which may push up spectrum prices.

“With the increase in the availability of spectrum, data service will explode as fiber to site is being laid simultaneously. This will result in more public-private projects which will meet the needs of all sections of the society,” said Shyam P Mardikar, Chief-Strategy, Architecture & Engineering, Bharti Airtel.

“Due to the emergence of wireless mobility as the single largest factor in the Indian telecom industry, we will witness a growth of 35 to 45 percent in voice and data traffic,” said Rajan Mathews, Director-General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). He further said that the Companies had to reorient services in terms of mobility so to expand at a greater pace. According to him, the high government charges act as a constraint in the growth of mobile service. “As a balancing act, the USO Fund contribution should be reduced to one per cent of revenues instead of the current five per cent,” he added.

While defining digital empowerment, Vinit Goenka, National Co-Convener, IT Cell, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) said that his party is aiming at creating digital literacy countrywide so that there could be a direct communication between the government and citizens at all levels. “The digital revolution would be realized when the ‘last villager buys his grocery online,” he added.

With imports of digital equipment set to grow to US$100 million by 2017, C-DoT, the research organization of the DoT is making significant contributions to “Make in India” campaign said Shri Vipin Tyagi, Executive Director, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).

“New government has shown promise but there is further scope for facilitating policy environment for enhancing Broadband penetration to cover 30% of our population by 2016 to optimally leverage technology and achieve throughputs at lower costs”, said Sameer Rawal, Director- Strategy & Marketing, Huawei India. He further added that all stakeholders (Government, Policy makers, Regulators, Service Providers and Equipment manufacturers) need work together and collaborate to make it a cherishable success.

Making it truly global platform to conduct business, global majors engaged in the business of Broadband such as Huawei, Ericsson, National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), NetApp, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), Shaildhar Telecom services are participating at the event.