Mobile to emerge as alternate entertainment screen in 2013 As we close 2012, it gives us immense pleasure to be part of MVAS industry; that is witnessing a galloping growth into the next year and together we are creating an ecosystem where subscribers remain engaged with the MVAS and the app of their choice. MVAS industry in India has come a long way since its inception. With India today, having the second-largest mobile phone user base and the third fastest growing mob...

OFC network deployment will gain momentum Having made large investments in acquiring 3G and broadband wireless access spectrum in 2010, operators have reduced their spending in the past few years, especially on new network roll-outs. Also, the 2G spectrum controversy has led to holding back of investments in the sector. Consequently, the ancillary segments of the telecom infrastructure industry have also taken a hit, which is reflected in the inadequat...

Delaying Qualcomm's ISP Licence : Failing after succeeding spectacularly The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) seems intent on undoing one its most spectacular successes.  Last year, it auctioned spectrum for two important wireless technologies viz 3G and BWA (Broadband Wireless Access), which can help deliver broadband services across India speedily and cheaply.  It was praised for conducting a remarkably transparent auction and for delivering a whopping Rs.105000 crores (ove...

Time to take stock We proudly talk about the exponential growth of mobile communications in India and yet we know so little about the infrastructure assets we hold. While we built 350,000 towers and counting, their share ability, readiness to support power needs, space availability, reliability and performance of assets- are all but vaguely known to us. Now that we have some time as we aspire to enhance tenancies, it is best us...

The last year of the decade has been an eventful one The last year of the decade has been an eventful one, to say the least. On the one hand, after two years of postponement and apprehensions, the 3G and BWA auctions proved to be a stunning success with the government raking in over Rs 677 billion. On the other, the closing two months of the year had the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report pointing to a large-scale scam involving billions of rupees, which...

Active infrastructure sharing: Yet to take centrestage Despite the government notifying guidelines for active infrastructure sharing in 2008, the concept, unlike passive infrastructure sharing, has yet to gain traction in the Indian market, cost benefits notwithstanding. While small beginnings have been made with operators entering into intra-circle roaming agreements, the industry is still evaluating the business models in this segment. However, while in finan...

India Mobile Broadband: All decked up and nowhere to go? Between 2007-2010, the Indian government continuously delayed / postponed the BWA / 3G spectrum auctions much to the disappointment of the global telecom community. Finally it pulled it off in a flawless manner in mid 2010 when amidst severe competition, operators bid up the prices and the government literally laughed its way to the banks. In the process the BWA aspirants  paid more than a king’s ransom t...

We will do well not to be carried away by the pursuit of the guilty In recent months, the media has exposed serious misdemeanour in the ministry of communications.  This has taken the sheen off the success story that is India’s telecom sector. Ever since the government of India decided to induct private players in the sector, politicians and bureaucrats have taken several decisions that have seemed irrational and partisan to experts and analysts.  It is important...

The year gone by and expectations from the new year One of the major highlights during the year 2010 was the successful completion of auction for 3G and BWA spectrum. We believe that 3G auction would be a game changer for the Indian telecom market. It would help enhance mobile penetration in the hinterlands which is very essential for bringing the real Bharat into the mainstream. Various initiatives undertaken by the government to enhance financial inclusion will...