Title India's Telecommunications Industry Author Ashok V. Desai Source Sage Price Rs 395

By CHIKITA KUKREJA

About the Author - Ashok V. Desai is the consulting editor of The Telegraph. He also writes for the Business World. Before becoming a columnist and commentator, he was advisor to the then Indian finance minister Manmohan Singh in the early 1990s, when India embarked on economic reforms. In the 1980s, Desai coordinated a large project on energy research across the world, the results of which were published in a 15 volume study. Desai speaks fluent German and once wrote a thesis on German wages in the nineteenth century.


India has evolved with the passage of time and so has its telecommunications industry. More than a decade back in 1992, the Indian telecommunication industry was totally monopolised by the government, but now with the advent of new technology, it is growing at a rapid pace and seeing more and more private players.

In the 1990s, the government of India appointed regulators as an alternative to the direct control of industries such as telecommunications, banking, capital markets, insurance, hydrocarbons and electricity. But in spite of tremendous efforts, it seemed to go in vain and was by and large ineffective.

The book takes holistic look at the industry's past, incumbent and future trail. The author creates an atmosphere for the readers and provides a detailed view of the technical world. Through the book, Desai attempts to bring forth arguments as to why regulation does not work in India.

India's Telecommunications Industry showcases the birth and growth of the industry. Desai throws light on the industry from the time of DoT to internet telephony.

He also talks about the impact technology has on the telecommunications industry. He divulges a well known fact, which is understood by all in fast paced world --- the importance of networking and staying connected.

Who can do without a mobile or a personal phone in today's world? And to top it all, with increasing competition, the calling rates too are lowering day by day. With the advent of more and more channels of communication, the need seems to be unending.

India's Telecommunications Industry had been written in a lucid manner and is also packed with a punch. It is an essential read for policy makers, economists and industry watchers. The book will also be of interest to students of industrial economics and management.

"Just as one thinks that one has reached the full stop, something happens that renders an entire chapter out of date," says Desai. As a result, this book is a result of four drafts spread over a year coupled with a whole lot of effort on the author's behalf.

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