Competition will ensure affordability: Sachin Pilot
Sachin Pilot, minister of state for communications and IT, talks about issues ranging from the regulatory framework to the recent spectrum auction.
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.