8.1 Standardisation

To enable the establishment of an integrated telecommunication network, common standards with regard to equipment and services would be specified by the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC). TEC would also continue to grant interconnect and interface approvals for various service providers.

8.2 Telecom equipment manufacture

With a view to promoting indigenous telecom equipment manufacture for both domestic use and export, the Government would provide the necessary support and encouragement to the sector, including suitable incentives to the service providers utilising indigenous equipment.

8.3 Human resource development and training

Human resources are considered more vital than physical resources. Emphasis would be placed on the development of human resources for all fields related to telecommunications and the dispersal of this expertise to the related fields. Such expertise shall also be made available to other countries.

8.4 Telecom research and development

Recognising that telecommunications is a prime pre-requisite for the development of other technologies, telecommunications research and development (R&D) activities would be encouraged. Government would take steps to ensure that the industry invests adequately in R&D for service provision as well as manufacturing. Indigenous R&D would be actively encouraged with a view to accelerate local industrial growth and hasten transfer of technology. Premier technical institutions would be encouraged to undertake R&D activities on a contribution basis by the telecom service providers and manufacturers so as to develop multi-dimensional R&D activities in telecommunications and information technology.

8.5 Disaster management

International co-operation in the use of terrestrial and satellite telecommunications technologies in the prediction, monitoring and early warning of disasters, especially in the early dissemination of information would be encouraged. Financial commitment to disaster management telephony and the development of appropriate regulatory framework for unhindered use of trans-boundary telecommunications would be put in place.

8.6 Remote area telephony

Rural Telephony, areas of North East, Jammu & Kashmir and other hilly areas, tribal blocks, etc. may be identified as a special thrust areas for accelerated development of telecommunications. The Ministry of Defence shall be assigned a more active role in the development of telecommunications in such remote areas as are identified for accelerated development of telecommunications.

8.7 Export of Telecom equipment and services

Export of telecom equipment and services would be actively incentivised. Synergies among the various telecom players (manufacturers and service providers) would be exploited and used to provide integrated solutions for exports.

8.8 Right of way