This policy would be continued. In view of the constraints on the number of companies that can be allowed to operate in the area of Radio Paging and Cellular Mobile Telephone Services, however, a policy of selection is being followed in grant of licenses through a system of tendering. These companies will be required to maintain a balance in their coverage between urban and rural areas. Their conditions of operation will include agreed tariff and revenue sharing arrangements. Other terms applicable to such companies will be similar to those indicated above for value-added services.
Telecommunication is a vital infrastructure.
It is also technology intensive. It is therefore necessary that the administration of the policy in the telecom sector is such that the inflow of technology is made easy and India does not lag behind in getting the full advantage of the emerging new technologies. An equally important aspect is the strategic aspect of telecom which affects the national and public interests. The current National Telecom Policy was announced in parliament on 13th May'94. Copyright 1996-97 MediaWeb India , except where otherwise noted.