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| Edited By: Nivedita Mookerji |Source: DNA |Updated: Mar 17, 2018, 04:22 AM IST
Sachin Pilot, minister of state for communications and IT, spoke to DNA on issues ranging from the regulatory framework to the recent spectrum auction; from the next wave in telecom to the failure of the government in checking pesky telemarketing calls.Excerpts:
On ensuring affordability of telecom service despite the high 3G and BWA bids:
Price is not an issue any more. Competition ensures affordability.
On the do-not-call (DNC) registry failing to control unsolicited telemarketing calls:
Surety of punishment for offenders is more important than the severity of the penalty.
On the media reports that Union communications minister A Raja may be replaced in a Cabinet reshuffle:
News reports cannot dictate Cabinet decisions. It is the prime minister’s prerogative.
On the priorities in the sector over the next one year:
First, I want all panchayats in the country to get broadband access by the year 2012. Also, we have to bridge the huge gap between urban and rural phone connectivity. Also, I want to focus on local software that would make IT attractive to the masses. Besides that, hardware should be a priority area.
On getting more responsibilities recently as the communications minister:
It is a collective effort. It does not matter how many files I sign. What is important is vision, policy, and execution.
The next big thing in the telecom sector:
Handheld devices for financial inclusion would be the next big thing. Data shows that 40% of mobile subscribers do not have access to bank accounts. So, mobile banking would usher in tremendous changes in the society.
