This story is from June 23, 2007

3G spectrum dialogue goes to US

Shalini Singh / TNN / Jun 23, 2007, 03:07 IST

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Newly appointed telecom and IT minister is planning to visit the US for a detailed engagement with international business industry.

NEW DELHI: Newly appointed telecom and IT minister, A Raja is planning to visit the US in mid July for a detailed engagement with international business and the US industry before finalising on government's much awaited spectrum allocation policy for 3G.
According to DoT sources, a government delegation that includes M Nambiar, additional secretary, IT and several senior officials belonging to the ministry of IT as well as the DoT will be leaving for Washington to participate in the "US India ICT Dialogue".The bilateral talks will be held in Washington from July 11-13.
While the primary objective of this meeting is to continue the bilateral cooperation, it is expected that several significant industry break out sessions will take place simultaneously on the sidelines. While 3G spectrum policy is perhaps the most significant issue in the government's mind, there are several other concerns that the US side is expected to table during the meeting.
Significant issues include — further reforms in telecom regulations to support the BPO business, VoIP convergence issues, liberalisation in toll-free services and restrictions on use of foreign satellites.

While Nambiar serves as co-chairman of ICT dialogue from India, his counterpart is Ambassador David Gross, Department of State. The US government, unlike the Indian ministerial structure does not have a telecom ministry. Most of the significant regulatory and licensing decisions are made by FCC (the Indian equivalent of Trai). Policy decisions are divided between Department of State, Commerce and USTR.
It is not clear yet who from the US government will be engaging in bilateral talks with the minister but the visit clearly shows the significance that the Indian government attaches to international consideration while deciding policies that can impact investments, infrastructure and access of advances services for Indians.

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