The Haryana Government on Wednesday unveiled its Communication and Connectivity Infrastructure Policy 2013, which envisages the use of the latest advancements in the telecom sector.
The technology updates include ‘Fibre to the Home’ (FTTH) and ‘Open Access Network’ (OAN), where physical access to the network is separate from the delivery of services.
The policy looks towards the creation of an infrastructure through pre-laid Optic Fibre Cable (OFC), with sufficient bandwidth in proper ducts.
This will allow multiple service providers to use the same infrastructure on a shared basis.
State development agencies are encouraged to provide for ducts and lay the OFC with sufficient bandwidth capacity as part of their development plans, which may be leased out to the operators.
Under the policy, any telecom infrastructure provider, registered with the Department of Telecommunications, is eligible to seek permission to lay OFC, erect Ground Based Masts (GBMs) and mobile towers within the areas of urban local bodies, gram panchayats and statutory authorities such as the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA).
The permission for installing and using communication infrastructure will be granted for the time sought, subject to a maximum of 20 years.
Also, no GBM or tower structures shall be allowed to be installed unless a safety certificate is obtained from specified institutions in the country.
Existing service providers, who had installed communication infrastructure under old rules will have to apply as per the new policy within 90 days from the notification of the new policy.