Members of GSM telecom industry body COAI re-elected Bharti Airtel's CEO Sanjay Kapoor chairperson and elected Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director of Idea Cellular as the vice chairperson of the Association at annual general meeting held recently.

Cellular Operators Association of India said Kapoor has several challenges before him both old and new that confront the industry and the most important being restoration of financial health of the telecom Industry.

"It is imperative that the new National Telecom Policy recognises this and facilitates the growth and sustainability of the industry," Kapoor said in a statement.

Kapania appreciated consultative approach adopted by government for finalising National Telecom Policy, 2011.

"It is encouraging that the Government is taking a consultative approach while finalising the NTP 2011 and it is imperative that COAI and its members work closely and progressively with both the Government and the DoT on the areas of concern," Kapania said.

Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI further said the new policy should ensure that the consumer must get the service at reasonably affordable rates and the industry needs to be nurtured to financial health through an enlightened policy and regulatory framework.