In spite of the dip in subscriber base for cellular in metro and paging in cities, both paging and cellular markets have grown. Such a performance, at a time when it was being said that these companies were in the process of winding up, is not just a sign of grit and determination but also of hope. Clearly, this area of Communications Industry did not do as badly as it was initially being pointed out. Despite problems there is a great demand. The entire nation is going through a turmoil on the economic as well as the political front.
Sanctions have been imposed, an undeclared war is on, the general elections are a round the corner.
But this did not stop the New Telecom Policy 1999 from being announced or the Prime Minsiter from taking up the Communications portfolio under his belt to sort out the ensuing embroglio. Not just the Prime Minister of the country, but even several Chief Ministers are taking personal interest in communications infrastructure and services. These are clear signs of renewed hope. Hope, which had begun to totter for sometime. In the following essays we look at the reasons for the renewed hope and analyse them in terms of their impact.