Communications & IT Minister Kapil Sibal has stated yesterday ( 1st January 2011 ) that  a New Telecom Policy 2011 will be formulated which will evolve a clear and transparent telecom regime covering licensing, spectrum allocation, tariffs/pricing, flexibility within licences, spectrum sharing, spectrum trading and merger & acquisitions. Before that within 100 days consultations will be held with key stakeholders. He also stated that the matters of security, including that of 3G and Blackberry will be resolved soon.

He also stated that three factors have to be kept in mind while framing the policy – reasonable revenue for the government, affordable service to the users and robust growth of the telecom sector.

So far good. But who are the stakeholders? The private telcos are of course there. But what about BSNL and MTNL ? What about the employees and their unions? Are they stake holders according to the Minister ? Because nothing is stated about the telecom PSUs and their employees. We know that the concerns of the big business and MNCs and their profits will be safeguarded. But what about the financial viability of BSNL / MTNL and the issues of the workers in these two PSUs?

We can not depend upon anybody’s charity. We have to raise our voice so that while evolving the New Telecom Policy, these are also considered. Let us be vigilant.