(a) whether India is one of the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the World;
(b) if so, the total number of subscribers at present;
(c) the target set up for the year 2005;
(d) whether India`s cellular market is likely to join the big league of Asia-Pacific markets after China and Japan;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the steps being considered to improve the telecom sector in the country?
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)
(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 417 FOR 19TH DECEMBER, 2001 REGARDING IMPROVEMENT IN TELECOM SECTOR.
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The total number of subscribers as on 30.11.2001 is 3,99,65,081.
(c) The target for number of telephones for the year 2005 is 100 millions.
(d) & (e): It is envisaged in the perspective plan that the number of cellular phones by the year 2005 will be 12.53 millions & by 2010 it will be 82.05 millions which could make India one of the largest markets in the Asia Pacific Region.
(f) Government has enunciated New Telecom Policy 99 for the development of telecom sector. All possible steps are being taken to implement the policy.