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Functional Separation and a Restructured Licensing Framework for Indian Telecommunications

Author

Listed:
  • Rohit Prasad
  • Varadharajan Sridhar
  • Mansi Kedia

Abstract

In 2001, the Communications Convergence Bill (CCB) of India envisaged a future in which fixed line, wireless telephony, and cable TV services could be integrated to be provided over the same infrastructure. Further, the infrastructure layer could be unbundled from the services layer, and be provided in a non-discriminatory manner to all service providers. This commentary traces the evolution of these two ideas - technology neutrality and functional separation, in the changing licensing frameworks of Indian telecommunications from 2001 to the present. We propose a new licensing framework that recognises the modularity of 5G technologies and the evolving market conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Rohit Prasad & Varadharajan Sridhar & Mansi Kedia, 2025. "Functional Separation and a Restructured Licensing Framework for Indian Telecommunications," Vikalpa: The Journal for Decision Makers, , vol. 50(4), pages 295-309, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:vikjou:v:50:y:2025:i:4:p:295-309
    DOI: 10.1177/02560909251330750
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    References listed on IDEAS

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