In a statement to the press, the trade association said such action, if taken, would provide a “regulatory advantage on one side, more so because that side is already too strong and benefits from massive outside market power from an incumbent operator.” .” network”, which directly affects the businesses of the weak non-telecom vertical players, i.e. enterprises.
The statement followed media reports suggesting that, to begin with, the enterprise framework will include setting up captive networks in conjunction with telcos.
TV Ramachandran, president of BIF, said: “If the said media reports are considered true, these guidelines would certainly distort competition and go against the essence of the cabinet decision and the NIA of June 15, 2022, in which there is no indication that the possibilities for incumbents to provide these services first should be facilitated.”
The Inviting Applications Notice (NIA) released on June 15 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced that businesses can use spectrum directly from the government. However, the assignment will take place after the DoT has conducted a demand assessment.
Ramachandran added that the move will create unwanted differences in the system at the outset, and “would also lead to uncertainty and the choice of Hobson for the companies to set up their CNPNs”, which in turn would lead to sub-optimal results. for the companies in terms of efficiency, quality and cost of the services offered/made available to them.
BIF further argued that in order to truly implement the cabinet decision in letter and spirit, companies should be given an appropriately calibrated handicap to compensate for the disadvantage they experience as a result of the privileged position of the other party.
It added that from the outset, the companies should have the right to choose who they partner with to set up their private captive networks.