New Telecom Policy May Be Placed Before Cabinet On Wednesday

The Union Cabinet is likely to discuss the draft new telecom policy, known as National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018, on Wednesday.

“The draft NDCP is expected to be placed before the Cabinet for approval tomorrow,” an official source said Tuesday.

The government recently issued the draft NDCP, which once approved, will set the roadmap for attracting an investment of around Rs 6.5 lakh crore in the telecom sector.

Promising rationalisation of levies such as spectrum charges to rejuvenate the debt-ridden sector, NDCP seeks to provide broadband access to all with 50 mbps speed, 5G services and create 40 lakh new jobs by 2022.

It proposes to adopt “optimal pricing of spectrum” to ensure sustainable and affordable access to digital communication. High spectrum price and related charges have been the main concern of the telecom sector, which is reeling under a debt of around Rs 7.8 lakh crore. – The Hindu Business line