The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has re-elected Sanjay
Kapoor, CEO – India & South Asia, Bharti Airtel as the chairperson of the
association for the succeeding year.
Members have also unanimously elected Himanshu Kapania,
managing director of Idea Cellular as the vice chairperson.
Sanjay Kapoor is again taking over the reins of COAI. He
faces several challenges that confront the industry. The most important
challenge is the restoration of financial health of the telecom industry.
There is an immediate need to take appropriate steps to
nurture this industry enabling it to grow manifold and to continue to
contribute significantly towards the socio-economic development of the country.
It is imperative that the new National Telecom Policy
recognizes this and facilitates the growth and sustainability of the industry,”
said Sanjay Kapoor.
It is encouraging that the Government is taking a
consultative approach while finalizing the NTP 2011 and it is imperative that
COAI and its members work closely and progressively with both the Government
and the DoT on the areas of concern. I am sure that the COAI will play
its part in a constructive, inclusive and sincere manner, guided always by a
sturdy moral compass,” Himanshu Kapania added.
Sanjay Kapoor on behalf of the COAI members expressed
deep appreciation for the exemplary and excellent leadership provided by
Sanjeev Aga, an industry veteran and stalwart associated with COAI as chair and
vice chair and has steered the cellular industry through what was probably one
of its most turbulent and challenging phases.
Rajan S Mathews, director general, COAI, welcomed the new
team and further quantified that the new policy needs to focus on two major
public interests areas – the consumer must get the service at reasonably
affordable rates and the industry needs to be nurtured to financial health
through an enlightened policy and regulatory framework. As India drives to its
next social revolution of digital inclusion, the mobile telecom sector is well
placed to drive this new revolution as it has the past one of voice inclusion.
By TelecomLead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
