(a) whether the Government propose to constitute an N.R.I. advisory committee for the benefit of its telecom sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to encourage foreign direct investment in this sector?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) In order to associate Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with the development of telecom sector and enlist their support in attracting investment and modern technology, an NRI Advisory Committee is being constituted soon.
(c) With the announcement of New Telecom Policy (NTP), the Telecom Sector in India offers enormous investment opportunities for the investors, including, foreign investors. FDI is permitted upto 49% in the companies offering Telecom Services. In the area of telecom equipment manufacturing, 100% foreign equity is allowed. It is hoped that when new investment opportunities are announced and offers are invited, for services like National Long Distance, Basic, Cellular Mobile and other Value Added Services, there would be a good response from the foreign investors.