CMAI actively engaged in education sector, Collaborations between Indian and foreign Universities, exchange of students and faculty, development of vocational and skill development courses, industry-Education Interface, strategic partnerships Today the Indian telecommunications network with over 375 Million subscribers is second largest network in the world after China. India is also the fastest growing telecom market in the world with an addition of 9- 10 million monthly subscribers. The tele-density of the Country has increased from 18% in 2006 to 33% in December 2008, showing a stupendous annual growth of about 50%, one of the highest in any sector of the Indian Economy.The Department of Telecommunications has been able to provide state of the art world-class infrastructure at globally competitive tariffs and reduce the digital divide by extending connectivity to the unconnected areas. India has emerged as a major base for the telecom industry worldwide.Removal of digital divide and providing rural telephony and accessibility of telephones to remote areas is an important thrust area. The strategy for network expansion in rural areas mainly involves provision of phones in the viable areas by telecom operators.The Government is also providing various schemes under Universal Service Obligation Fund, created out of USO Levy contributed by telecom operators @ 5% of Annual Gross Revenue. Earlier the USO mandate was restricted to supporting wire line and by providing Village Public telephones (VPTs) and Rural Direct Exchange Lines. Having realized the role of wireless phones to increase rural penetration because of the convenience, affordability and the capacity to reach out the masses, particular in rural and remote areas, amendments have been made under USOF to strengthen infrastructure for providing wireless phone services in these areas.BSNL and MTNL have already been allotted 3G and BWA spectrum with a view to ensuring early roll out of 3G and WiMax services in the Country. They will pay the same price for the spectrum as discovered through the auction.New players would also be able to bid thus leading to technology innovation, more competition,faster roll out and ultimately greater choice for customers at competitive tariffs. The 3G will allow telecom companies to offer additional value added services such as high - resolution video and multi media services in addition to voice, fax and conventional data services with high data rate transmission capabilities. BWA will become a predominant platform for broadband roll out services. It is also an effective tool for undertaking social initiatives of the Government such as eeducation,telemedicine, e-health and e-Governance. Providing affordable broadband, especiallyto the suburban and rural communities is the next focus area of the Department.
