(a) whether the Government have constituted an Expert Group to review the Internet Telephony in accordance with the New Telephone Policy - 1999;
(b) if so, the details thereof with its salient features;
(c) whether the Expert Group have submitted its Report to the Government;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. As per New Telecom Policy - 1999 (NTP-99), Government was to monitor the technological innovation and their impact national development and to review opening up of Internet Telephony at an appropriate time. Accordingly, Government set up an Internal Group to review and make recommendations regarding opening up of Internet Telephony.
(c) & (d): After examination of the report of the Internal Group, the Government decided to open up Internet Telephony from 1st April, 2002. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was asked to give their recommendations on the terms and conditions for opening up of Internet Telephony. TRAI gave their recommendations to the Government of 20th February, 2002. The recommendations were accepted by the Government on 15th March, 2002 and the guidelines for offering Internet Telephony Service were announced on 21st March, 2002.
(e) Does not arise in view of (c) & (d) above.