Telecom policy only in Feb

NEW DELHI, DEC 14: The new telecom policy being formulated by the group on telecom GoT will be announced in February 1999. Secretary Prime Ministers Office N.K Singh said the recommendations from the Prime Minister8217;s advisory council on trade and industry will form the main input for the ongoing GoT deliberations. In addition, the empowered group will also take a view on the recommendations before finalising inputs for the GoT.

The GoT, headed by foreign minister Jaswant Singh is to hold its second meet here today. The group8217;s mandate is to develop a new and comprehensive policy framework to permit unrestricted competition in the country8217;s telecom sector, said Singh.

The infrastructure group chaired by Ratan Tata, has recommended the replacement of the flat licence fee with concept of service tax for new licencees. The group also wants the TRAI8217;s role as regulator to be strengthened, while allowing it to be the authority on issuing of licences.