GOVT THROWS OPEN INTERNET SERVICE TO PVT SECTOR
Article Abstract:
The monopoly of Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) over the Internet services has ended. The government has decided to permit private operators to provide the service with their own gateways. The government has announced that there would be no license fee or restriction on the number of licenses to be granted in an area and that the license issued would be for 15 years. The government has a schedule to issue the licenses within a week. The Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can lease networks from the Railways, the National Power Grid, state electricity boards or from cable TV operators. They can fix their own tariffs. The ISPs are only required to obtain a security clearance. However, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has been given the authority to impose a tariff. A 49 percent foreign equity has been permitted. Licenses will be issued in three categories - the whole country, the four metros and four other cities and secondary service areas. Potential operators are being contacted to sign the license agreement. (nr)
Publication Name: Economic Times
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0389
Year: 1998
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TASK FORCE FOR ENDING VSNL MONOPOLY OVER INTERNET
Article Abstract:
The report, IT Action Plan submitted by the national task force on IT and software development has proposed removal of the monopoly of the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) over the Internet. It has also suggested removal of 100 percent depreciation on all IT products in two years and a blanket approval for Indian IT companies to acquire foreign companies out of their export earnings. The report has recommended the issue of sweat equity to employees and allowing cable operators to provide Internet through their network without additional licence fee. To improve the national information infrastructure, the report has recommended permission to railways, defence, state electricity boards, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, Gas Authority of India Ltd and Steel Authority of India Ltd to set up fibre optic backbone for Internet purposes. This is because these entities have the rights to lay cables. (gsh)
Comment:
Action Plan submitted by natl task force on information tech & software dvlpmt proposes removal of monopoly of co over Internet
Publication Name: Economic Times
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0389
Year: 1998
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HUGHES ESCORTS MAY BECOME ISP
Article Abstract:
Hughes Escorts Communication Ltd (HECL) of Hughes group, US, plans to be a Internet Service Provider (ISP). It has applied for setting up gateways. HECL specialises in V-SAT business. It has applied to the government of India for setting up gateways and service its V-SAT clientele in India. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may give permission for HECL. The Indian government has decided to let Videsh Sanchar Nigam retain its gateway monopoly till 2004. HECL plans to offer value added services to its clients. Reserve Bank of India is making a policy on the payments on the Internet. (rk)(m)
Comment:
Hughes Escorts Communication Ltd (HECL) of Hughes group, US, plans to be a Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Publication Name: Economic Times
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0389
Year: 1999
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