The Communications and Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI) while felicitating the Union Communications Minister, A Raja and the industry in general for collectively achieving 500 million subscriber mark, also called for government to initiate some path breaking measures to further augment the growth of the industry.

CMAI’s  Executive Chairman, Ravi Sharma asked the government to do away the interconnection charges so that the Minister’s vision for 10 paise per minute call regime can become a reality. “It is also allow new operators to compete fairly at even  platform in the market place and it will ultimately benefit consumers,” said Sharma.

On the spectrum policy the association asked the government to formulate a long term spectrum policy. “CMAI feels that perhaps time has come for Government to introduce a Long Term Spectrum Policy. This will not only bring consistency in approach of Government towards spectrum but will help operators in long term planning.  Since the policy will facilitate efficient uses of spectrum, it will bring down prices further thus benefiting the consumers,” said Sharma on the issue.

The occasion was used to highlight areas which require urgent attention such as quality of services, strengthening local manufacturing and to introduce measures which will equip the consumer with more powers to take up matters of complaints with the service providers.

The event was attended among others by A Raja, Venugopal Dhoot Chairman CMAI,  PJ Thomas, Dr.  JS Sarma Chairman TRAI  and NK  Goyal President CMAI.