'One nation-free roaming': DoT asked to submit roadmap

Services activated already; to be implemented fully by next year

PTI | September 24, 2012



The finance ministry has asked the Department of Telecom (DoT) to submit a roadmap and timeline for implementation of 'one nation-free roaming', which allows mobile phone subscribers to use same number across country without having to pay extra charges.

"DoT has been requested to indicate the roadmap and timeline for implementation of the decision regarding 'one nation-free roaming' to this department at the earliest," a source said.

The finance ministry had asked for the details last month only but DoT has still not replied.

However, DoT secretary R Chandrashekhar told PTI that the process for free roaming across the country has already been started and it may be implemented by next year.

He said the department is right now working on the unified licence (UL) guidelines which was also a part of the NTP 2012. After the finalisation of UL and the auction process gets over, the 'one nation-free roaming' will also be implemented in due time.

"All these things are inter-related. We have initiated the process and its implementation is likely next year," Chandrashekhar said.

While releasing the National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2012, telecom minister Kapil Sibal had said, "Target is one nation full mobile number portability and work towards one nation free roaming".

After NTP 2012 was notified, DoT was to start the process to implement full mobile number portability allowing users to retain their existing number at the time of changing their service providers across any state in the country.

Comments

 

Other News

Who checks the books?

I read about the news about the Coimbatore library over coffee this morning. On the face of it, the headline was about a political ‘war’ between the DMK and TVK. But what stayed with me was something much more important than the blame game behind what had transpired. A writer walking through

Development paradox: Falling poverty miracle and an inequality problem

India’s reduction in poverty over the past decade is a development achievement of considerable significance. The World Bank’s April 2026 ‘India Development Update’ estimates that the share of Indians living below the international extreme-poverty line of $3.00 per person per day i

In Arunachal, a river we call mother

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang is not just a river. For many of us, especially the Adi people, it is part of our family. Our grandparents fished in it. Children learned to swim in it. Our farms drink from it. When someone says a huge dam will be built on it, we do not hear the word "project".

A new retelling of the Mahabharata delves into key moments

In a time when every decision carries consequences and questions of ambition, power, loyalty, identity and moral choice continue to shape our lives, Dr. Arun Krishnan’s new book, ‘Mahakshana’ (Penguin India) offers a strikingly relevant retelling of the Mahabharata.  

Cabinet approves viability gap funding to develop grid-scale energy storage systems

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Development of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems, with a total financial support of Rs.14,500 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. The scheme aims to support the development o

Cabinet creates a pathway to absorb Agniveers in Defence Forces

An objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency has brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered reg

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter