'Speed In Issuing VNO Licenses Is Required'

Amitabh Singhal, President of Virtual Network Operators Forum (VNO Forum) in conversation with Voice&Data throws light on specific issues that the fledgling VNO industry in India needs to counter and the need for speed in issuing VNO licenses.

 

- Nandita Singh

Voice&Data: Can you elaborate on the VNO Forum and its agenda?

Amitabh Singhal: VNO Forum is a community and stakeholders driven think tank with a formal structure including a Board of Governors headed by a Chairperson.

Since the time VNOF was floated as an idea in mid-2016, it has done plenty of work, which includes moderating a Roundtable Conference in September 2016, attended by nearly 150 delegates. It was the first ever VNO specific conference in India. Post conference, VNOF published a set of “Policy & Regulatory Recommendations” relating to issues which ought to be looked into, if the orderly growth of VNOs has to be ensured.

We have initiated our interventions in TRAI’s Consultation process. We have responded to the Paper on Issues related to Closure of Access Services comprehensively on behalf of VNOs. We are looking at other Consultation Papers, which TRAI has released recently, specifically to address the issue of VNO B category Access Licenses issued to the DID operators (this could be a burgeoning issue since such a license was not part of the original recommendations of TRAI and many aspects have to be carefully assessed and looked into).

We will have to involve these specific players and seek their response, assess and articulate them in front of the Regulator appropriately.

Additionally, we have already begun the process of promoting VNOF and the opportunity for VNOs in India in international forums, having participated in international webinars.