Question : FDI IN TELECOM SECTOR

(a) the current status of FDI in Telecom sector;

(b) whether the recent phase of acquisitions and mergers has given way to growth of MNCs in India;

(c) if so, steps being taken by the Government to protect the Indian PSUs like BSNL & MTNL;

(d) whether the Government propose to start single license regime; and

(e) if so, whether the Government have started the consultation process with TRAI?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN)

(a) Total foreign direct investment (FDI) in telecom sector till December 2002 has been Rs. 9562.10 Crores.

(b) No, Sir.

(c) Does not arise in view of (b) above.

(d) There is no such proposal.

(e) Does not arise in view of (d) above.