This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
India: New Trai chairperson Print E-mail
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
Nripendra Misra, a former secretary in the Department of Telecommunication, will succeed Pradip Baijal as the new chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India effective immediately.

Baijal, a former IAS officer like Misra, retired today. His three-year tenure saw the regulator make often-controversial decisions. His time will be remembered for the sharp drop in mobile tariffs and the increase in India’s teledensity.

Misra will have many challenges during his tenure. For instance, he will have to regulate the broadcast sector, including the cable TV sector. This is an area that he might not have dealt with during his time with the government, which included posts with the commerce ministry, looking after WTO matters.

Trai will now have to focus on regulation with regard to emerging technologies, while continuing to ensure that policies sustain present growth rates. A telecom industry expert said Misra's objective would also be to evolve a regulatory framework that did not curtail technological evolution, considering that boundaries between the networks for telecom and broadcasting are rapidly blurring.

Source: Business Standard - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News