Unified licensing system covers convergence of technologies

The Policy, announced by Communications and Information Research Minister Kapil Sibal, says "it is now imperative to move towards convergence between telecom, broadcast and IT services, networks, platforms, technologies and overcome the existing segregation of licensing, registration and regulatory mechanisms in these areas to enhance affordability, increase access, delivery of multiple services and reduce cost. It will be a key enabler of equitable and inclusive growth. The policy aims to address and enable the coordinated action to respond to the dynamic needs resulting from confluence of telecom, broadcasting and IT sectors."

Given the continued predominant role of wireless technologies in delivery of services in ICT sector, NTP-2011 incorporates framework for increasing the availability of spectrum for telecom services including triple play services for which broadband is the key driver. This will be facilitated by deployment of services through appropriate instrumentalities, during safeguarding national interests.

Referring to licensing, convergence and value added services, the Policy says the aim is to orient, review and harmonise the legal, regulatory and licensing framework in a time bound manner to enable seamless delivery of converged services in research neutral environment.

Convergence would cover voice, data, video, Internet telephony, value added services and broadcasting services. It will mean convergence of networks - convergence of access network, carriage network and broadcast network.

The telephone

Convergence of devices like the telephone, Personal Computer, Television, Radio, inter-operable set top boxes and other connected devices will as well become a necessity. NTP 2011 will encourage digitiaation of the local cable networks.

NTP-2011 has the vision Broadband on Demand and envisages leveraging telecom infrastructure to enable all citizens and businesses, both in rural and urban landscape, to participate in the Internet and web economy, thereby ensuring equitable and inclusive development across the nation. It provides the enabling framework for enhancing India’s competitiveness in all spheres of the economy.