It is a crude attempt to protect the monopoly of the government television network and to sabotage the plans of foreign broadcasters in India. Above all, the measure reeks of ignorance. All over the world, governments are moving to unleash the job creating potential of the broadcast industry. For example, in the U.S., a new law swept away the arbitrary distinction between cable companies and telecom operators, allowing them to compete with each other to provide both cable and telecom services. Meanwhile, the international row over the standards for high-definition television has been resolved and viewers can look forward to sophisticated new television sets with vastly improved pictures and sound.
New technologies are in the making to simplify and speed navigating on the Internet.
The day is not far off when a single outlet in homes will provide access to telephone, television and Internet services. In marked contrast to those strengths, the proposed Indian law ignores the growing confluence of telephones, media and computers. Instead it seeks to fragment India's emerging media industry. The proposal will destroy the partnerships that have opened India to the world and vice versa. And those who own satellite television companies will have to divest their stake and give controlling interest to an Indian business partner.