New Delhi : Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended that Communication Commision of India should be an independent and autonomous body.According to a press statement issued by CII, "While Communciations Commission of India should be an independent autonomous organisation, its functions should be clearly spelt out in the Convergence Act". While the Convergence Bill will reduce segmentation in the market place, there was an urgent need to review laws governing spectrum management and licensing, it further added.
CII under the National Committee on Communication had set up a core group on Convergence and has identified certain areas where it would like to offer suggestions on the sub-group report on convergence bill draft.
CII sub group highlighted the need for a unified authority for spectrum management. Currently in India, the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the ministry of communications is the radio regulatory authority responsible for nation wide radio spectrum management. Therefore, CII believes that it is of utmost importance that frequency allocation be accounted for amply in the new Convergence Act, with a focus on maintaining a fair and efficient national playing field. CII has also stressed the need for quick and transparent allocation of spectrum. Rapid changes in technology, liberalisation of markets, globalisation, and the public welfare are all dynamic forces that present significant challenges to regulators. However, CII believes that these challenges can be met through strategic planning and recognition of the fundamental principles that lead to optimal spectrum usage.
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