Dec 11, 2007
As said, in my view, Rajiv Gandhi and Sam Pitorda were the chief architects of the communication boom in India. Major initiatives include formation of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) and Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (VSNL). International gateway packet switch system was commissioned in Bombay.
Also, the P&T Department was divided to form two separate entities - Department of Posts and the Department of Telecommunications. Constitution of Telecom Commission, and the reorganisation of telecommunication circles were done. All these measures helped faster growth of Telecommunication in India. Above all, the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) was formed, which is doing a wonderful service now, in settling various disputes between service providers and also setting path for various initiatives.
Later, based on the above initiatives, the national long-distance service was opened up for private participation and BSNL was set up. All these helped everyone realise the huge customer base and potential that India had. The strength of "internal" market in India cannot be under estimated. It is this internal market that helped India take communication to the next level - Mobile communication.
Just look at the ocean of difference between the service that was provided by P&T during those days and the service and facilities that we have today on the communication front. Even during those days we had a huge customer base, potential and everything - but yet, there was no vision and foresight at the top level. The communication boom that we have today is due to Rajiv Gandhi and Sam Pitorda - who had laid a very strong foundation for the huge stylish structure that we have today.
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