New Delhi
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday emphasized the need for stronger competition in the Indian telecom sector, warning against a growing duopoly. Speaking at the Broadband India Forum event, he announced that guidelines for delicensing the 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi services would be issued before August 15, aiming to enhance public access to high-speed connectivity.
Scindia asserted that the dominance of just two major players—Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel—is not healthy for the sector. He called for policy frameworks that allow more operators to thrive, especially as Vodafone Idea struggles with survival and BSNL is yet to complete its nationwide 4G/5G rollout.
The minister underlined the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable technology access through fibre, Wi-Fi, and satellite services. He also supported administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite communication companies to encourage competition.
Referencing Moore’s law, Scindia said rising volumes should naturally lower data costs. He highlighted how India has achieved this, bringing down data prices from ₹287 per GB to just ₹9 per GB—roughly 5% of global average costs.
Scindia also appealed to device and chip manufacturers to produce affordable equipment, warning that expensive hardware could become the new digital divide. “The combination of fibre, satellite connectivity, and cost-effective devices can drive India’s digital transformation,” he said. Former TRAI chairman R.S. Sharma echoed these concerns, stating that the market is dangerously close to a duopoly and urged exploring more broadband delivery routes to ensure affordable and inclusive access for all citizens.