New Delhi, Nov 29: Close on the heels of unifying basic and cellular licences, Communications and IT Minister Arun Shourie today said the sector would move to full unification for all telecom services in six months, unless "corporate rivalry" placed roadblocks. "The first step was to unify basic and cellular licences. Trai has said that full unification would be in place in six months. I am sure we will meet that target, unless corporate rivalry stops us," Shourie said at the launch of Sify's new video-conferencing service here.
Full unification would allow operators to offer any services on any technology.
"Why should government sit in judgement (of technology)," Shourie said.
He said government's efforts were aimed at freeing consumers from silos of licencing and added, "The idea is now to move to automatic authorisation."
"Everybody will see advantages of technology. If corporate rivalry attempts to stall technological progress citing ambit of licences, I hope courts will throw out such challenges so Indians can be pioneers in accessing new technology," Shourie said.
Government recently introduced unified access licencing regime in the sector, paving the way for companies like reliance and Tatas to offer full mobility.
On the status of the Convergence Bill, he said, "The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had views on powers of regulator and the group of ministers finalised its views with experts like Fali Nariman. Standing committee has also given 100 comments on the proposed legislation." Bureau Report