CHAPTER IV

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMISSION

Objectives and guiding principles

17.
The Communications Commission of India while exercising its functions shall be.guided by the following principles governing the administration of this act namely :

(i) that the communication sector is developed in a competitive environment and in consumer interest;

(ii) that communication services are made available at affordable cost to all especially uncovered areas including the rural, remote, hilly and tribal areas;

(iii) that there is increasing access to information for greater empowerment of citizens and towards economic development;

(iv) that quality, plurality, diversity and choice of services are promoted;

(v) that a modern and effective communication infrastructure is established taking into account the convergence of information
technology, media, telecom and consumer electronics;

(vi) that defence and security interests of the country are fully protected;

(vii) that introduction of new technologies, investment in services and infrastructure, and maximisation of communications facilities and services (including telephone density) are encouraged;

(viii) that equitable, non-discriminatory interconnection across various networks are promoted;

(ix) that licensing and registration criteria are transparent and made known to the public;

(x) that an open licensing policy allowing any number of new entrants (except in specific cases constrained by limited resources such as the spectrum) is promoted; and

(xi) that the principle of a level playing field for all operators, including existing operators on the date of commencement of the Act, is promoted so as to serve consumer interest.

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