LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONY LICENCE NORMS SIMPLIFIED.

The Government has simplified the national and international long distance license norms, under which new entrants will be given 3 years to set up their infrastructure. The move will allow faster roll-outs and spice up competition in this sector as new licensees will now be permitted to ride on the infrastructure of existing players. At present, all national and international long distance operators are mandated to install four gateways as a pre-condition before they can launch services. But as per the amendments made to the license agreement, they will have to install only a single gateway within three years of receiving the license.