Call Drops Reducing; Auctions to Improve Services: Telecom Minister

The call drop menace has reduced over the last two months, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said on Friday even as he cautioned operators that the service quality has to improve further or they will be "out of the sector" that has an "open and competitive market".

The upcoming spectrum auctions, he said, will provide operators with more radio waves that will help them improve services and earn more revenues.

"On my first day (in the Ministry), I had said we will see a qualitative improvement in the situation over the coming four months. I can say, the situation has already improved, and it is visible. I assure consumers that in about 3-4 months there will definitely be further qualitative improvement," Sinha told PTI in an interview.

The telecom market is "open and competitive", he said, adding that players - be it public or private - not providing good services will find themselves out of the sector.

"It is an open and competitive sector. Whosoever does not give quality, will be out of the sector. Often there is discussion that spectrum is less. We will address that with the auctions. To quite an extent, people will get relief from the call drop issue," he said.

Terming quality of service as one of the key areas that impacts the common man, the minister said that telecom operators are working on improving their services by creating infrastructure and making investments.

"Where the NDMC and the cantonment board are concerned, new BTS have to be put up. Our Department in co-ordination with others have resolved issues," Sinha said referring to certain areas of the national capital.

He exuded confidence that companies will participate "enthusiastically" in the upcoming spectrum auctions, as they

will need the radio waves to offer good quality service, increase their revenue, and maintain a good image.

"With the kind of competition that exists in the market, whosoever has to give quality service will need spectrum. It is required for increasing revenue, customers, for good data service, voice calls, and for good image also," Sinha said.

"Those who will not buy spectrum, will not be able to meet these parameters. Therefore, I believe people will participate (in the auction) and participate with enthusiasm," he added.

The auction for telecom spectrum across frequency bands is set to take place within a few weeks and is expected to be the biggest to be held in the country.