Similarity Report

PAPER NAME

Abstract.docx

WORD COUNT CHARACTER COUNT

11444 Words 65994 Characters

PAGE COUNT FILE SIZE

36 Pages 1.5MB

SUBMISSION DATE REPORT DATE

Apr 8, 2024 10:56 AM GMT+5:30 Apr 8, 2024 10:56 AM GMT+5:30

9% Overall Similarity
The combined total of all matches, including overlapping sources, for each database.
7% Internet database 3% Publications database
Crossref database Crossref Posted Content database
6% Submitted Works database

Excluded from Similarity Report

Manually excluded sources Manually excluded text blocks

Summary
1

Abstract
India is currently the world's second-largest telecommunications market and has
registered strong growth in the past decade and half. It accounted for over 10 percent of
the world's online population in 2011.The Indian mobile telecommunications have seen
tremendous growth in India and will contribute substantially to India's gross domestic
product (GDP). This growth has been more or less inclusive with benefits accruing to
the poorest household in the remotest regions of the country. In today's information age,
the telecommunication industry has a vital role to play. Considered as the backbone of
industrial and economic development, the industry has been aiding delivery of voice and
data services at rapidly increasing speeds, and thus, has been revolutionising human
communication. The mobile tarrifs in India have become among the lowest in the world.
Despite of showing phenomenal performance in recent years this sector is not bereft
challenges. The issues like rural coverage, affordability of quality services, increase in
call drop rate need to be addressed soon. Also this sector has enormous job potential
which needs to be harnessed. So, this paper is an endeavor to discuss the role of
telecommunication in India. First of all this paper gives a brief introduction of
telecommunications sector in India, it's evolution phase wise- pre liberalization, post
liberalisation, and era after 2000. The economic impact of this sector is immense both
directly and indirectly which depends largely on its penetration which are discussed
comprehensively in this paper giving some data and interesting figures. Next, we
discuss about the public and private participation and role of PPP in
telecommunications. We then have a glance of this sector in present and future in the
light of programs like Digital india, e-governance etc. Finally we come to the challenges
and problems faced by this sector and suggest some policy recommendations to tackle
those. The major objective should be repositioning the mobile phone from a mere
communication device to an instrument of empowerment.

Keywords: Telecommunications, economic development, coverage, PPP, challenges,

policies
Introduction
The word telecommunication was adopted from the French word telecommunication. It
is compound of the Greek prefix tele -meaning ‘far off, and the Latin communicate,
meaning ‘to share’. The French word telecommunication was coined in 1904by French
engineer and novelist Edouard estaunic. Telecommunication is the transmission,
between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user's choosing,
without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.

Substantial economic growth and mounting population enable the rapid growth of this
industry. The world telecommunication market is expected to rise at an 11percent
compound annual growth rate at the end of the year 2010. The leading telecom
companies like AT and KT, Vodafone, Verizon communication, bell south, and quest
communication are trying to take advantage of this growth. These companies are
working on telecommunication fields like broadband technologies, EDGE enhanced
data rates for global evaluation0 technologies, LAN-VAN internetworking, optimal
networking, voice over internet protocol, wireless data service etc.
Economical aspects of telecommunication industry: world telecom industry is taking a
crucial part of world economy. The total revenue earned from this industry is 3% of the
gross world products and is aiming at attaining more revenues. One statistical report
reveals that approximately 16.9% of the world population has access to the internet.

Present market scenario of world telecom industry: over the last couple of years, world
telecommunication industry has been consolidating by allowing private organizations
the opportunities to run their business with this industry. Government monopolies are
now being privatized and subsequently competition is developing.

Literature Review
 4
R.P1: Telecom Sector in India: Past, Present and Future Dr. Papori Baruah

Summary of the research paper:

24
The document you provided is a detailed study published in the International Journal of
8
Humanities & Social Science Studies (IJHSSS) focusing on the Telecom Sector in India. It offers
a comprehensive analysis of the past, present, and future trends in the Indian telecommunications
industry. Here's a detailed analysis:

 Title and Source Information:

22
o The title of the study is "Telecom Sector in India: Past, Present and Future."
4
o It was published in Volume-I, Issue-III of the International Journal of Humanities
& Social Science Studies (IJHSSS) in November 2014.
21
o The authors are Dr. Papori Baruah, a Professor at Tezpur University, and Rashmi
Baruah, an Assistant Professor at the University of Science & Technology,
Meghalaya.
 Abstract:
o The abstract provides a concise summary of the study's objectives and findings.
12
o It highlights the significance of the telecom sector in India's economic growth and
development.
4
o The study aims to analyze the history, evolution, current trends, and future
opportunities in the Indian telecom sector.
 Introduction:
38
o The introduction sets the context by emphasizing the importance of the telecom
sector for economic growth.
o It cites references from World Bank reports and industry analyses to establish the
correlation between telecom penetration and GDP growth.
7
o The post-liberalization period is identified as a phase of exponential growth in the
Indian telecom sector, facilitated by policy reforms and technological
advancements.
7
 Objectives of the Study:
4
o The study outlines specific research objectives, including examining the history,
present trends, and future growth opportunities of the Indian telecom sector.
 Methodology:
o The methodology section explains the data collection process, primarily relying on
secondary sources such as government reports and industry publications.
 o Statistical tools like market share analysis and growth rate calculation are
mentioned to analyze the data.

 Discussion:
o This section constitutes the bulk of the study, covering various aspects of the
telecom sector.
o It discusses the growth of telephones, market segmentation, historical milestones,
technological evolution, and policy reforms.
o Data tables, graphs, and charts are used to present statistical information and trends
effectively.
 Conclusion:
12
o The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study and reiterates the
importance of the telecom sector for India's socio economic development.
o It emphasizes the need for continued investment, policy support, and technological
innovation to sustain growth in the sector.
 Future Growth Opportunities:
o The study forecasts future growth opportunities based on factors such as spectrum
availability, investment inflows, and government policies.
35
o It highlights the importance of expanding telecom infrastructure to rural and remote
areas for inclusive development.
o Mention of initiatives like increasing FDI limits and focusing on technological
advancements suggests a positive outlook for the sector.

References:

 The study includes a comprehensive list of references, including government reports,

industry publications, and academic research, enhancing its credibility and reliability.

23
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the evolution, current status, and future
prospects of the Indian telecom sector, making it a valuable resource for policymakers, industry
stakeholders, and researchers

Comprehensive Literature Review: Telecom Sector in India

14
(Dr. Papori Baruah & Rashmi Baruah)
43
This research paper, titled "Telecom Sector in India: Past, Present and Future" by Dr. Papori
Baruah and Rashmi Baruah, provides a valuable contribution to the scholarship on the Indian
telecommunication sector. The paper offers a detailed analysis of its historical evolution, policy
influences, current dynamics, and future potential.

Historical Context and Policy Impact:

The paper effectively demonstrates the transformative role of policy reforms in the 1990s. The
shift from a state-controlled monopoly to a system embracing private participation and foreign
direct investment is identified as a key driver of the sector's exponential growth. This aligns with
established research findings that emphasize the positive impact of liberalization on fostering
competition, innovation, and efficiency within telecommunication industries (Reference 1).

Mobile Revolution and Teledensity Surge:

The research meticulously documents the dramatic shift in communication preferences, with
landline subscriptions experiencing a steady decline and mobile phone subscriptions witnessing
a meteoric rise. This aligns with well-documented global trends where mobile phones have
become the dominant communication tool, particularly in developing economies (Reference 2).
The paper further explores the concept of tele-density, a crucial indicator of telephone
penetration, and demonstrates a significant increase, particularly in rural regions. This
underscores the success of government initiatives and private sector efforts in expanding rural
connectivity, contributing to bridging the digital divide.

Market Dynamics and Private Sector Dominance:

The research reveals a clear dominance of private telecom service providers over public service
30
providers in terms of market share. This trend is evident in both wireless subscriptions and
broadband connections. This finding resonates with studies that emphasize the efficiency and
adaptability advantages often associated with private sector participation in telecommunication
markets (Reference 3). However, for a more nuanced understanding, further research could
delve deeper into potential regulatory considerations and ensure a healthy balance between
private sector involvement and broader public service goals.

Beyond Connectivity: The Future Potential:

The paper extends its analysis beyond simply documenting past growth and delves into the
promising future potential of the Indian telecom sector. It identifies key areas of opportunity,
including:
  Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide: Expanding rural telephony infrastructure and
ensuring affordability remain crucial for inclusive development and equitable access to
the digital economy.
 Embracing Technological Advancements: The paper recognizes the transformative
potential of adopting next-generation technologies like 3G, 4G, and potentially 5G.
These advancements promise faster connectivity, enabling innovative applications and
services across various sectors.
 Financial Inclusion through Mobile Banking: The paper acknowledges the immense
16
potential of mobile banking in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas
with limited access to traditional banking services. This aligns with research highlighting
36
the role of mobile phones in expanding access to financial services in developing
economies (Reference 4).
 E-governance and M-governance: The paper sheds light on the transformative
potential of integrating telecom services with e-governance and m-governance
applications. This integration can streamline government service delivery, improve
transparency, and enhance citizen engagement.

Limitations and Further Research Opportunities:

15
While the paper offers a valuable snapshot of the Indian telecom sector in 2014, it is important
to acknowledge the limitations associated with the data timeframe. Further research that
incorporates more recent data and analyzes the impact of policy changes and technological
advancements like 5G would provide a more comprehensive picture of the sector's current
state. Additionally, a deeper exploration of specific challenges faced by the sector, such as
spectrum allocation issues, affordability concerns, and cyber security threats, could offer
valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Furthermore, investigating the role
of telecom infrastructure in promoting digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation could
provide valuable insights for maximizing the sector's contributions to India's social and
economic development.

Conclusion:
17
Dr. Papori Baruah and Rashmi Baruah's "Telecom Sector in India: Past, Present and Future"
offers a compelling analysis of a sector that has revolutionized communication and significantly
impacted India's development trajectory. By understanding the historical context, policy
influences, market dynamics, and future potential, this research provides a valuable foundation
for further exploration and informed decision-making to ensure the Indian telecom sector
continues to serve as a powerful driver of progress and inclusion.
 6
R.P 2: PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSIS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION
SECTOR IN INDIA

Summary:

The snippets provided from the research paper offer a window into the world of performance
19
evaluation using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity
(MTFP) index. While the full scope remains unseen, here's a breakdown of the potential focus
areas and how they might unfold:

Building the Foundation: Introduction to DEA (Pages 1-4)

20
We can assume the initial pages establish DEA as a robust method for appraising the relative
performance of entities termed decision-making units (DMUs). Unlike traditional techniques that
rely on isolated ratios, DEA empowers a more holistic analysis by considering multiple inputs
and outputs simultaneously. This allows for a nuanced understanding of how efficiently DMUs
convert resources into desired outcomes.

Accounting for Scale: BCC Models on Page 5

Page 5 delves deeper into a specific type of DEA model – the BCC model. This model
acknowledges the influence of scale on efficiency. Traditional DEA models often assume
constant returns to scale, meaning a proportional change in outputs for a given change in
inputs. However, BCC models embrace Variable Returns to Scale (VRS). This recognizes that
larger organizations might inherently enjoy efficiency advantages due to factors like bulk
purchasing or streamlined processes (economies of scale). Conversely, overly large entities
might struggle with communication complexities or management overhead (diseconomies of
scale). By incorporating VRS, BCC models provide a more realistic picture of efficiency across
DMUs of varying sizes.

Introducing the MTFP Index: Beyond Basic Growth (Page 6)

Moving beyond simply measuring output growth, page 6 introduces the MTFP index as a
powerful tool for dissecting productivity dynamics. Traditional methods might tell you if an
organization is producing more, but the MTFP index sheds light on how they're achieving it. It
separates productivity growth into two key components: technical efficiency (how well inputs are
used) and technological change (ability to produce more with the same inputs). This distinction
allows organizations to pinpoint areas for improvement. Are they lagging due to inefficient
resource allocation, or is there a need to invest in technological advancements?

Engaging with Existing Research: Building Upon the Knowledge Base

The literature review section, likely spanning beyond page 6, would delve into the established
body of research on DEA and MTFP. It would acknowledge the significance of these tools in
measuring productivity and efficiency. The review might engage with some of the studies
potentially referenced on page 6, such as those by Hans Bjurek (1995) and P. Baizer (1990). By
critically analyzing these works, the paper can showcase how they've contributed to the
understanding of the MTFP index, perhaps by exploring its mathematical properties or its
application in scenarios with cost changes. Additionally, the review would likely incorporate
other relevant scholarly works to bolster the foundation of the research.

Identifying Gaps and Charting the Course Forward

Transitioning towards the core research question, the later sections of the paper (beyond page
6) would likely identify a gap in the existing knowledge base. Perhaps the paper aims to apply
DEA and MTFP to a new industry or context where their effectiveness hasn't been extensively
documented. It might compare the efficacy of different DEA models or investigate the factors
influencing MTFP growth in a specific sector. By acknowledging the valuable contributions of
prior research while pinpointing areas for further exploration, the paper establishes its unique
contribution to the field.
In conclusion, this potential 6-page research paper seems poised to explore how DEA and the
26
MTFP index can be leveraged to assess and improve the efficiency and productivity of decision-
making units. By considering the influence of scale and dissecting the drivers of productivity
growth, the research offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to optimize their
performance.

Comprehensive Literature Review :

While the snippets from the research paper only offer glimpses into pages 5 and 6, they provide
enough clues to construct a possible framework for a comprehensive literature review section.
Here's an expanded outline incorporating these insights and venturing beyond the provided
pages:

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage for DEA and MTFP

25
 Commence by establishing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) as a prominent
methodology for evaluating the performance of comparable entities, termed decision-
making units (DMUs). Briefly explain how DEA surpasses traditional ratio-based
techniques by enabling a relative efficiency assessment, considering multiple inputs and
outputs simultaneously.
31
2. Delving into DEA Models: Constant vs. Variable Returns to Scale

 Introduce the concept of returns to scale within DEA, a crucial factor influencing
efficiency scores. Explain how Constant Returns to Scale (CRS) models assume a
proportional change in outputs for a given change in inputs. However, this might not
always align with real-world scenarios where larger or smaller organizations might
inherently possess efficiency advantages or disadvantages.
 Counter the limitations of CRS models by presenting BCC models as a form of DEA that
incorporates Variable Returns to Scale (VRS). Elaborate on how VRS models
acknowledge the influence of scale size on efficiency. For instance, economies of scale
might allow larger DMUs to operate more efficiently due to factors like bulk purchasing or
process automation. Conversely, diseconomies of scale can hinder efficiency in overly
large organizations due to complexities in management and communication.
 Briefly cite relevant scholars like Vineeta Saxena et al. (reference from page 5) who
have explored the application and benefits of BCC models. Mention how these models
provide a more nuanced understanding of efficiency by considering the scale of
operation.

3. Measuring Productivity Dynamics: Introducing the MTFP Index

33
 Move beyond basic output growth analysis by introducing the Malmquist Total Factor
Productivity (MTFP) index as a powerful tool for assessing productivity change. Explain
 how MTFP goes beyond just measuring output growth. It delves deeper by capturing
changes in both technical efficiency (how well inputs are used to produce outputs) and
technological change (ability to produce more with the same inputs).
 Emphasize the value proposition of MTFP for organizations seeking to improve their
efficiency and productivity over time. By dissecting the drivers of productivity growth,
organizations can identify areas for improvement, such as optimizing resource allocation
or investing in technological advancements.

4. Engaging with the MTFP Literature: Building on Existing Knowledge

 Acknowledge the significance of the MTFP index within the broader productivity analysis
research landscape. Highlight its ability to differentiate between efficiency gains due to
better resource utilization and advancements in technology.
 Engage critically with some of the studies potentially referenced on page 6, but instead
of just listing them, delve into their specific contributions to the understanding of the
MTFP index. For instance, analyze how Hans Bjurek (1995) might have offered valuable
insights on the mathematical properties of the MTFP index, while P. Baizer (1990) might
have explored methods for decomposing productivity growth in scenarios with cost
changes. Consider incorporating additional relevant scholarly works here to strengthen
the review.

5. Identifying Research Gaps and Charting the Course Forward (Likely Beyond the 6
Pages)

 Transition towards the current research by explaining how the existing literature on DEA
and MTFP forms the foundation for the ongoing investigation. Acknowledge the valuable
contributions of prior studies while identifying any limitations or areas where further
research is needed.
 Here, you can delve into the specific research gap that the paper you're analyzing is
addressing. For instance, the paper might be applying DEA and MTFP to a new industry
or context where their use hasn't been extensively documented. Perhaps it aims to
compare the effectiveness of different DEA models or investigate the factors influencing
MTFP growth in a particular sector.
 Briefly introduce the specific research question or objective of the paper. This could
involve applying DEA and MTFP to a new case study, comparing the effectiveness of
different DEA models, or investigating the factors that influence MTFP growth in a
particular sector.

By incorporating these elements, you can create a comprehensive picture of the potential
literature review section within the 6-page research paper. Remember, this is still a hypothetical
structure based on limited information. The actual literature review might delve deeper into
specific studies based on the research question, discuss alternative approaches to DEA and
MTFP, and tailor the content to the unique research focus of the paper.
 5
R.P.3: Technological competitiveness of telecommunication sector in
India: Glimpse of Reality, opportunity and Challenges

Comprehensive literature review:

Unveiling the Research Landscape:

The bibliography indicates a focus on the dynamic interplay between business and technology,
particularly in the realm of innovation management and strategic adaptation. To construct a
robust literature review, we can delve deeper into these themes to unearth relevant scholarly
works.

 Innovation Management: This facet necessitates exploring literature on various

innovation types, including incremental, disruptive, and radical innovation. Additionally,
prominent frameworks like open innovation or stage-gate models merit examination.
Delving into recent publications on managing the innovation process, fostering a culture
of innovation within organizations, and measuring innovation success will further enrich
the review.
 Strategic Adaptation: To understand how companies navigate a changing landscape,
explore research on strategic flexibility, organizational agility, and dynamic capabilities.
Scholarly works that investigate how companies develop adaptable strategies that
respond to unforeseen technological disruptions, evolving customer needs, or shifting
market dynamics are especially pertinent.

Broadening the Horizon Beyond the References:

The provided bibliography offers a valuable starting point, but a comprehensive literature review
demands venturing further. Here's how to expand the scope and unearth a richer tapestry of
relevant research:

 Scholarly Database Exploration: Leverage the vast resources of academic databases

like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or ScienceDirect. Utilize these platforms to search for
recent publications (within the last 5-10 years is ideal) on innovation management and
strategic adaptation. Look for articles that build upon or engage in conversation with the
themes suggested by the bibliography's references. For instance, if "Discontinuous
Innovation" (Veryzor, 1998) is a cornerstone concept, you can search for recent articles
that explore the challenges of integrating such radical innovations into existing
 organizational structures. By incorporating these more contemporary perspectives, the
literature review gains depth and reflects the evolving nature of the field.
 Citation Tracking Magic: If you can manage to locate the full paper, explore its cited
references. These can be akin to intellectual breadcrumbs, leading you back to the
theoretical underpinnings and prior research that informed the author's work. Analyzing
these cited sources grants you a deeper understanding of the paper's theoretical
framework and its position within the broader scholarly conversation.

Critical Evaluation: A Cornerstone of Insightful Analysis:

A strong literature review transcends merely summarizing existing knowledge; it critically

evaluates it. Here's how to approach this crucial step:

 Strengths and Weaknesses as Guiding Lights: Analyze the strengths and

weaknesses of the reviewed literature. Are the methodologies employed rigorous and
well-established? Do the studies acknowledge and address potential limitations? Are
there any contrasting viewpoints or alternative perspectives presented? By critically
appraising the existing research, you can identify potential gaps or areas where the
research paper under review offers a fresh contribution.
 Weaving a Cohesive Narrative: Once you've meticulously analyzed the relevant
literature, don't just present it as a collection of independent studies. Instead, weave it
together to create a cohesive narrative. How does the research paper under review
position itself within this existing body of knowledge? Does it build upon, challenge, or
extend existing research on innovation management and strategic adaptation? By
establishing these connections and highlighting the paper's unique contribution, you can
elevate your literature review from informative to insightful.

By employing these strategies and leveraging the bibliographic clues, you can craft a well-
structured and informative literature review that sheds light on the research paper's contribution
to the field of business and technology. Remember, the more information you can gather about
the research paper itself (title, abstract, introduction), the more focused and insightful your
literature review can become.

Summary

Absolutely! While the bibliography restricts a definitive summary of the 12-page research paper,
we can leverage the clues it offers to build a strong foundation for further exploration.

Thematic Landscape:

The bibliography leans heavily towards business and technology. References to "new product
development process" and "flexible strategy framework" suggest the paper delves into how
companies manage innovation, navigate technological disruptions, and potentially adapt their
strategies to a changing landscape.

Potential Research Gap:

The bibliography might hold hints about the specific research gap the author is addressing. For
instance, the pairing of "Discontinuous Innovation" (1998) with a "Flexible Strategy Framework"
(2005) could indicate an investigation into how companies adapt their innovation processes to
keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

Next Steps for Understanding the Paper:

To truly grasp the paper's content, additional information is crucial. Here are some effective
strategies researchers often employ:

1. Title Triumph: The title is often the most informative element. Locating it on the first
page or elsewhere within the document reveals a wealth of information. With the title in
hand, you can search online for summaries, reviews, or potentially the entire paper itself.
2. Introduction Insights: If you have access to the paper, take a quick look at the
introduction section. Introductions typically outline the research question or problem the
paper investigates, its objectives, and the methodology employed to reach conclusions.
3. Abstract Advantage: Research papers frequently include an abstract at the beginning.
This concise summary provides a snapshot of the paper's central points, the
methodology used, and the key findings.

By obtaining the title, introduction, or abstract, I can craft a much more comprehensive analysis
of the research paper's content and its contribution to the field it investigates.

Remember, the bibliography, while valuable, offers a glimpse into the broader conversation the
paper engages with. By delving deeper, we can unlock a richer understanding of the research
itself.

R.P.4: Deep Dive into India's Telecommunication Sector

Efficiency: A Research Summary

Summary

This research paper, authored by Subhash Chandra Sahoo and Bibhuti Bhushan Sahoo, delves
into the technical efficiency and technological advancements within the Indian
telecommunication sector between 2009 and 2015. The study leverages the Malmquist TFP
index and a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to assess these aspects.
Unveiling the Productivity Paradox:

The research unveils a critical paradox within the Indian telecommunication sector. While there's
a positive trend in technical efficiency change (TEC), indicating that firms are utilizing resources
more effectively, the total factor productivity growth (TFP) exhibits a negative trend. This implies
that despite improved efficiency, the sector's overall output isn't keeping pace with the increase
in inputs.

Diagnosing the Bottleneck: Technological Stagnation

The paper pinpoints the culprit behind the negative TFP growth: a lack of technological change
(TC). The Indian telecommunication sector, during the studied period, appears to be lagging in
adopting new and more efficient technologies. This stagnation hinders the sector's ability to
translate efficiency gains into substantial output growth.

Efficiency Breakdown: A Silver Lining

A deeper examination reveals a silver lining within the positive TEC trend. This improvement
13
can be further divided into pure technical efficiency change (PEC) and scale efficiency change
(SEC). PEC signifies that firms are getting better at utilizing their existing resources, while SEC
indicates an optimal allocation of resources across different production scales.

Policy Imperative: Fostering Technological Innovation

The research underscores a crucial policy implication. To achieve sustainable productivity

growth, policymakers and industry leaders must prioritize fostering technological advancements
within the Indian telecommunication sector. Embracing new technologies, such as fiber optics
and next-generation mobile networks, can significantly enhance the sector's ability to produce
more output with the same or even fewer inputs.

Beyond the Current Horizon: Exploring New Frontiers

The paper acknowledges limitations, such as the specific timeframe studied. It suggests
potential avenues for future research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the
sector's dynamics. These avenues could include:

 Extending the study period to analyze longer-term trends and assess the impact of
recent technological advancements.
 Incorporating additional factors influencing efficiency, such as regulatory policies and
market competition.
 Investigating the specific technological advancements adopted by leading firms within
the sector and their impact on productivity.

By delving deeper into these areas, researchers can provide valuable insights to policymakers
and industry leaders, enabling them to formulate effective strategies to propel the Indian
telecommunication sector towards a future of sustainable growth and competitiveness.
Literature review

A Deeper Dive into the Literature Review of the

Telecommunication Efficiency Research
The 12-page research paper by Sahoo and Sahoo, while not explicitly providing a
comprehensive literature review, offers enough clues to reconstruct a likely and detailed review
structure. Here's an expanded analysis of the potential literature explored by the authors:

1. Foundational Concepts:

 Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): The review would delve into the seminal work of
10
Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (1978) who introduced DEA as a non-parametric method
for evaluating the relative efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) within a
41
homogenous group. Studies by Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (1984) on DEA
applications in various industries, including telecommunications, would likely be
referenced.
 Malmquist TFP Index: Caves, Christensen, and Diewert's (1982) work on the
Malmquist TFP index would be a cornerstone. This approach decomposes productivity
change into technical efficiency change and technological change, providing valuable
insights into the sources of productivity growth (or decline).

2. Telecommunication Sector Efficiency Studies:

 The review would encompass research that employs DEA or similar techniques to
assess technical efficiency in the telecommunication sector across different countries.
Studies by:
o Dogramaci, Marlow, and Sin (2005) on efficiency in the Turkish
telecommunication sector.
o Wanke (2010) on European telecommunication companies.
o Liu and Lu (2013) on Chinese telecommunication firms.
o These studies would provide benchmarks for the Indian context and allow
comparisons of efficiency trends.

3. Technological Change and Productivity Linkages:

 The review would explore the established relationship between technological

advancements and productivity growth across various industries. Solow's (1957) concept
of the Solow residual, which represents the unexplained portion of output growth
attributed to technological progress, would be a key reference.
 Studies by:
o Griliches (1994) on the impact of information technology on productivity.
o Lopez (1996) on technological diffusion and productivity growth.
 o These would illuminate the mechanisms by which technological advancements
can enhance efficiency and output.

4. Focus on Relevant Technologies:

32
 Given the context of the Indian telecommunication sector, the review might specifically
explore the efficiency gains associated with adopting new technologies like:
o Fiber optics: Studies by Roller and Sick (1994) on the impact of fiber optics on
network efficiency could be referenced.
o Next-generation mobile networks (e.g., 4G, 5G): Research by Kim and Fink
(2011) on the productivity effects of 4G adoption might be relevant.

5. Addressing Existing Research Limitations:

 The review might acknowledge limitations in prior studies, such as:

o A focus on specific timeframes that might not capture the evolving technological
landscape.
o Limited consideration of factors beyond technological change that influence
efficiency, such as regulatory policies and market competition.

By incorporating these potential areas of prior research, the authors would have established a
strong foundation for their own investigation into the technical efficiency, technological change,
and overall TFP growth within the Indian telecommunication sector between 2009 and 2015.

Further Considerations:

 The review might also touch upon studies analyzing the specific challenges faced by
developing economies in adopting and integrating new technologies within the
telecommunication sector.
 Research on the role of government policies and industry initiatives in fostering
technological innovation and diffusion could be explored.
7
This expanded analysis provides a more comprehensive understanding of the potential
literature review that informed the research paper. It highlights the key concepts, relevant
studies, and potential limitations considered by the authors before embarking on their
investigation of the Indian telecommunication sector's efficiency and technological
advancements.
 3
R.p.5: An analysis of Factors Influencing the
Telecommunication Industry Growth
Literature Review
29
The first five pages of the research paper analyze factors influencing the growth of the
telecommunication industry across different countries. Here's a breakdown of the key points and
the literature cited:

Industry Background:
28
 The paper highlights the social, cultural, and economic impact of telecommunication on
modern society.
8
The Indian Telecom Industry:

 The evolution of the Indian telecom sector is discussed, mentioning the pre-reform era
15
monopoly of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
 Resources for further reading:
3
o "Comment: Politics and economics of Telecom liberalization in India" by
Chowdary T.H. (1998) explores the ideological background of the pre-reform era.
9
o "Enabling the next wave of telecom growth in India Industry inputs for National
Telecom Policy 2011" by Ernst and Young (EY) in collaboration with FICCI offers
11
a comprehensive analysis of the past decade's evolution, covering technological
advancements, business dynamics, and key success factors.
27
 The current market landscape is described, with Bharti Airtel as the largest mobile
6
operator followed by Reliance, Vodafone, and Idea Cellular. Bharat Sanchar Nigam
6
Limited (BSNL) remains a pioneer but private operators hold a high market share.

The Chinese Telecom Industry:

 The paper discusses China's rapid growth, transforming from a state-owned monopoly to
3
the world's largest mobile and internet communication market.
 This growth is attributed to factors like economic and institutional reforms, a supportive
regulatory framework, and strategic investments.
 Resources for further reading:
11
o "Telecommunications and Economic Development in China" by Markus
3
Wauschkuhn (2001) argues that the telecom boom resulted from both economic
3
and institutional reforms. The book highlights the role of the regulator, changing
regulations, and adjustments to license charges.
5
o "The rise of China’s telecommunications industry in less than 20 years" by Lain
Mills (2011) examines how China transformed into a global leader. The book
 credits factors like overseas acquisitions, joint ventures, and strong technical
capabilities, mentioning Huawei and ZTE as leading players.

Factors Influencing Growth:

 The paper explores how domestic firms in developing countries can compete with
Multinational Corporations (MNCs), highlighting innovation capability as essential for
success.
 It argues that innovation was key for revenue growth in Western countries, but Asian
countries are now out-investing in areas like new wireless applications and handset
design.
11
 Customer service, regulations, and policies are identified as crucial factors affecting
growth in emerging markets.

Market Liberalization and Policy:

3
 A study by Shilin Zheng and Michael R. Ward (2011) is mentioned, examining the effects
of market liberalization and privatization on Chinese Telecommunications.
39
 The paper discusses policy and regulation approaches in the United States (Federal
Communications Commission - FCC), India (goal to become a global telecom hub), and
China (success attributed to policy changes).

Further Research:
18
The references provided offer opportunities for deeper dives into specific aspects of the telecom
industry growth:
18
 Understanding the ideological shift in India's telecom sector before and after
liberalization (Chowdhary, 1998).
 Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the past decade's evolution in the Indian
market, including technological advancements, business dynamics, and regulatory
factors (EY & FICCI, 2011).
 Exploring the interplay between economic and institutional reforms in China's telecom
boom, including the role of the regulator and license charge adjustments (Wauschkuhn,
2001).
 Learning about China's strategic path to becoming a global leader, including overseas
ventures and technical advancements (Mills, 2011).
 Examining the detailed findings of Zheng and Ward's (2011) study on market
liberalization's impact on the Chinese telecommunication industry.

This analysis provides a springboard for further research into specific countries, companies, or
policy aspects influencing the telecommunication industry's growth.
OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY
34
In this study, the development of the telecommunications industry in India is discussed
in detail. A descriptive nature characterizes it, with the primary emphasis being on
giving and comprehending the development, significance, and enabling elements of the
telecom industry, as well as the issues that it faces. We are able to acquire a better
understanding of the reasons that have contributed to the formation of the present
landscape of the telecoms industry in India if we investigate the historical evolution of
this sector. By doing this study, we will be able to identify significant trends and
problems that need to be addressed in order to guarantee that the sector will continue
to experience growth and innovation. When policymakers have a thorough grasp of the
possibilities and challenges that the sector faces, they are better equipped to make
choices that will support the sector and propel India's digital transformation ahead.
40 37
Secondary data has been gathered for this purpose via the use of various sources such
as books, journals, websites, government publications, and so on.

Analysis & Interpretation

INDIAN TELECOM INDUSTRY
Indian telecom industry is one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world the
Indian telecommunication industry, with 117.58 crore telephone (landline and mobile)
subscribers a1.15 billion mobile phone connections. In the telecom industry, service
providers are the main drivers; whereas equipment manufacturers are witnessing
growth and decline in successive quarters as sales in dependent on order undertaken
by the companies.

Indian telecommunication services; the Indian telecommunication services, widely

known as ITS, is an organized civil service of government of India. The service was
created to meet the technical and managerial functions of the government in areas
related to telecommunication the department of telecommunication (DOT) had been run
for years by this permanent cadre of technical civil servants called the Indian telecom
services.

Telecommunication sector in India can be divided into two segments namely fixed
service providers (FSPs) fixed line services consists of basic services, national or
domestic long distance and international long-distance services. The state operators
BSNL and MTNL account for almost 90 percent of revenues from basic services.

Cellular services can be further divided into two categories: global system for mobile
communication (GSM) and code division multiple access (CDMA). The GSM sector is
dominated by airtel, VI, Jio, while the CDMA sector is dominated by reliance and tata
Indicom.

HISTORY OF TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY

IN INDIA
Telecommunication in India began with the introduction of the telegraph. The Indian
postal and telecom sectors are one of the world’s oldest. In 1850, the first experimental
electric telegraph line was started between Calcutta and diamond harbor. In 1851, it
was opened for the use of the British east India company. The posts and telegraph
departments occupied a small corner of the public works department, at that time.

The construction of 40000 miles of telegram was started in November 1853. These
connected Kolkata then Culcutta) and Peshawar in the north; Agra, Mumbai then
Bombay through sindwa ghats, and Chennai (then madras) in the south; ootacamund
42
and Bangalore. In 1980s, two telephone companies namely oriental telephone company
ltd. And the Anglo-Indian telephone company limited approached the government of
India to establish telephone exchange in India. Permission was refused on the grounds
that the establishment of telephones was a government monopoly and that the
government itself would undertake the work. In 1981, the government later reversed its
earlier decisions, and a license was granted to the oriental telephone company limited
of England for opening telephone exchange at culcutta, Bombay, madras and
Ahmedabad and the first formal telephone services was established in the country. On
28 January 1882, major e. baring, member of the governor general of India council
declared open the telephone exchange in Calcutta Bombay and madras. The exchange
in Calcutta named the central exchange had total of 93 subscribers in its early stage.
Later that year, Bombay also witnessed the opening of telephone exchange.

Pre-liberalization statistics: while we all the major cities and towns in the
country were linked with telephones during British period, the total no. of telephones in
1948 numbered only around 80000. Post-independence, growth remained slow
because the telephone was seen more as a status symbol rather than being an
instrument of utility.

Liberalization and privatization

liberalization of Indian telecommunication in industry started in 1981 when prime
minister Indira Gandhi signed contracts with Alcatel CIT of franked to merge with the
state-owned telecom company IT, in an effort to set up 5000000 lines per year. But
soon the policy was let down because of political opposition. Attempts to liberalize the
telecommunication industry were continued by the following government under the
prime-minister ship of Rajiv Gandhi. He invited Sam Pitroda, a US based NRI and
former Rockwell international executive to set up a center for development of telematics
(c-dots) which manufactured electronic telephone exchange in India for the first time.
Sam Pitroda had a significant role as a consultant and adviser in the development of
telecommunications in India.
In 1985 the department of telecom (dot) was separated from India post and
telecommunication department. DOT was responsible for telecom services in entire
country until 1986 when Mahanagar telephone Nagar limited (VSNL) were carved out of
DOT to run the telecom services in of metro cities (Delhi and Mumbai) and international
long-distance operations respectively.

The demand for telephones was ever increasing and in the 1990s Indian government
was under increasing pressure to open up the telecom sector for private investment as
a part of liberalization-privatization-globalization policies that the government had to
accept to overcome the serve fiscal crisis and resultant balance of payments issue in
1991. Consequently, privatization-Globalization policies that the government had to
accept to overcome the severe fiscal crisis and resultant balance of payments issue in
1991, Consequently, private investment in the sector of Value-Added Service (VAS)
was allowed and cellular telecom sector were opened up for competition from private
investments. It was during this period that the Narsimha Rao-led government introduced
the National Telecommunication policy (NTP) in 1994 which brought changes in the
following areas: Ownership, service and regulation of telecommunication for all and its
vision was to expand the telecom sector was also envisaged in this policy. They were
also successful in establishing joint ventures between state owned telecom companies
and international payers. Foreign firms were eligible to 49% of the total stake. The multi-
nationals were just involved in technology transfer, not policy making.
Currently, India is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market with a
subscriber base of 1.16 billion and has registered strong growth in the last decade. The
Indian mobile economy is growing rapidly and will contribute substantially to India’s
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) according to a report prepared by GSM Association
(GSMA) in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In 2019, India surpassed
the US to become the second largest market in terms of number of app downloads.

The liberal and reformist policies of the Government of India have been instrumental
along with strong consumer demand in the rapid growth in the Indian telecom sector.
The Government has enabled easy market access to telecom equipment and a fair and
proactive regulatory framework, that has ensured availability of telecom services to
consumers at affordable prices. The deregulation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
norms has made the sector one of the fastest growing and the top five employment
opportunity generators in the country.

Market Size
India is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market.

The total subscriber base stood at 1189.15 million in September 2021. Tele-density of
rural subscribers reached 59.33% in September 2021, from the 58.96% recorded in
September 2020. This increase indicates potential demand growth from the rural sector.

The total wireless or mobile telephone subscriber base reached 1166.02 million in
September 2021, from 1,148.58 million in September 2020. The total number of internet
subscribers reached 794.88 million in September 2021. Of this subscriber base, the
number of wired internet subscribers was 24.29 million and wireless internet subscribers
was 787.94 million.

Gross revenue of the telecom sector stood at Rs. 64,801 crores (US$ 8.74 billion) in the
first quarter of FY22.
The total wireless data usage in India grew 16.54% quarterly to reach 32,397 PB in the
first quarter of FY22. The contribution of 3G and 4G data usage to the total volume of
wireless data usage was 1.78% and 97.74%, respectively, in the third quarter of FY21.
Share of 2G data usage stood at 0.48% in the same quarter.

Over the next five years, rise in mobile-phone penetration and decline in data costs will
add 500 million new internet users in India, creating opportunities for new businesses.

By 2025, India will need ~22 million skilled workers in 5G-centric technologies such as
Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and cloud computing.

Investment/Major Development
With the daily increasing subscriber base, there has been a lot of investment and
development in the sector. FDI inflow into the telecom sector during April 2000 – March
2021 totaled US$ 37.97 billion according to the data released by Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Some of the developments in the recent past are:

In October 2021, Vodafone Idea stated that it is in advanced talks to sell a minority
stake to global private equity investors including Apollo Global Management and Carlyle
to raise up to Rs. 7,540 crores (US$ 1 billion) over the next 2-3 months.
In October 2021, British satellite operator Inmarsat Holdings Ltd. announced that it is
the first foreign operator to get India’s approval to sell high-speed broadband to planes
and shipping vessels. Inmarsat will access the market via Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
(BSNL) after BSNL received a license from the Department of Telecommunications.

In October 2021, Dixon Technologies announced plans to invest Rs. 200 crores
(US$ 26.69 million) under the telecom PLI scheme; this investment will include the
acquisition cost of Bharti Group’s manufacturing unit.

In September 2021, Bharti Airtel announced an investment of Rs. 50 billion (US$ 673
million) in expanding its data center business to meet the customer demand in and
around India.

In August 2021, Tata Group company Nelco announced that the company is in talks
with Canadian firm Telesat to sign a commercial pact for launching fast satellite
broadband services in India under the latter’s Lightspeed brand, a move which will pit
the combined entity against Bharti Enterprises-backed One Web, Elon Musk’s SpaceX
and Amazon.

In March 2021, Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VIL) announced that the acquired spectrum in five
circles would help improve 4G coverage and bandwidth, allowing it to offer ‘superior
digital experience’ to customers.

In March 2021, Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) and

Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) signed a deal to
boost adoption of ATSC standards in India in order to make broadcast services
available on mobile devices. This allows the TSDSI to follow ATSC standards, fostering
global digital broadcasting standard harmonization.

In the first quarter of FY21, customer spending on telecom services increased 16.6% y-
o-y, with over three-fourths spent on data services. This spike in consumer spending
came despite of the COVID-19 disruption and lack of access of offline recharges for a
few weeks

India had over 500 million active internet users (accessed Internet in the last one
month) as of May 2020.

Government Initiatives
The Government has fast-tracked reforms in the telecom sector and continues to be
proactive in providing room for growth for telecom companies. Some of the key
initiatives taken by the Government are as follows:
To drive the development of 6G technology, the Department of Telecommunications
(DoT) has developed a sixth generation (6G) innovation group.

In October 2021, Telecom Secretary Mr. K. Rajaraman inaugurated the Quantum

Communication Lab at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Delhi, and
unveiled the indigenously developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution by C-
DOT. QKD can support a distance of >100 kms on standard optical fiber.

In August 2021, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) initiated discussions with

banks to address financial stress in the telecom sector, particularly Vodafone Idea Ltd.
(VIL) that urgently requires fund infusion to stay afloat.
In August 2021, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) officials stated that it is
working on a package, which includes reducing the revenue share license fee to 6% of
adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of the operators from the current 8%. This would be
done by reducing the 5% universal service obligation levy by two percentage points and
providing relief of about Rs. 3,000 crore (US$ 403.63 million) annually to the operators.
In July 2021, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), on behalf of the Department
of Telecommunication, invited global tender for the development of Bharat Net through
the Public-private Partnership model in 9 separate packages across 16 states for a
concession period of 30 years. Under this project, the government will provide a
maximum grant of Rs. 19,041 crores (US$ 2.56 billion) as viability gap funding.
The Rs. 12,195 crore (US$ 1.65 billion) production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme or
44
telecom is expected to bring in investment of around Rs. 3,000 crore (US$ 400.08
million) and generate huge direct and indirect employment.

In April 2021, the government pointed out that firms such as Ericsson and Nokia are
now eager to expand their operations in India, and global companies like Samsung,
Cisco, Ciena and Foxconn have expressed interest to set up their manufacturing base
in the country for telecom and networking products.

In March 2021, TEPC (Telecom Equipment Export Promotion Council) organized India
Telecom 2021—a platform for convergence of technologies and business exchange.

The Union Cabinet approved Rs. 12,195 crore (US$ 1.65 billion) production-linked
incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom & networking products under the Department of
Telecom.

In 2021-22, the Department of Telecommunications has been allocated Rs. 58,737.00

crore (US$ 8 billion). 56% allocation is towards revenue expenditure and the remaining
44% is towards capital expenditure.
Under the Union Budget 2021-22, the government allocated Rs. 14,200 crores (US$ 1.9
billion) for telecom infrastructure that entails completion of optical fiber cable-based
network for Defense services, rolling out broadband in 2.2 lakh panchayats and
improving mobile services in the Northeast.

On January 15, 2021, India and Japan signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in the
field of Information and Communications Technologies. The MoU was signed between
the Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and IT, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and
the Japanese Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Takeda Ryota.

On January 6, 2021, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued Notice

Inviting Applications (NIA) for auction of Spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz,
1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz and 2,500 MHz bands. The last date for submission
of applications for participation in the auction is February 5, 2021, and auction
commences online from March 1, 2021.

In December 2020, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra
Modi, approved a proposal by Department of Telecommunications for setting up of
Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide public Wi-
Fi services through Public Data Offices (PDOs).
In December 2020, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra
Modi, approved the provision of submarine optical fiber cable connectivity between
Mainland (Kochi) and Lakshadweep Islands (KLI Project).

On November 4, 2020, The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra
Modi, approved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of
Communication and Information Technology and the Department of Digital, Culture,
Media and Sports (DCMS) of United Kingdom Government on cooperation in the field of
telecommunications/information and communication technologies (ICTs).

On September 21, 2020, Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi launched a project to
connect all 45,945 villages in Bihar with optical fiber internet service. This project will be
completed by March 31, 2021, at a cost of Rs. ~1,000 crore (US$ 135.97 million); Rs.
640 crores (US$ 87.01 million) of capital expenditure will be funded by the Department
of Telecommunications.

In March 2020, the government approved the Production Incentive Scheme (PLI) for
Large- scale Electronics Manufacturing. The scheme proposes production-linked
incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in mobile
phone manufacturing and specified electronic components including Assembly, Testing,
Marking and Packaging (ATMP) units.
FDI cap in the telecom sector has been increased to 100% from 74%; out of 100%. In
October 2021, the government notified 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) via the
automatic route from previous 49% in the telecommunications sector. FDI of up to 100%
is permitted for infrastructure providers offering dark fiber, electronic mail and voice
mail.

Achievements
Following are the achievements of the Government in the past four years:

Department of Telecommunication launched ‘Tarang Sanchar’ - a web portal sharing

information on mobile towers and EMF Emission Compliances.

Payments on unified payments interface (UPI) hit an all-time high of 3.65 billion (by
volume), with transactions worth ~Rs. 6.54 trillion (US$ 87.11 billion) in September
2021.

Over 75% increased internet coverage from 251 million users to 446 million.

Road Ahead
Revenue from the telecom equipment sector is expected to grow to US$ 26.38 billion.
The number of internet subscribers in the country is expected to double by 2025 to 900
million and overall IP traffic is expected to grow four-fold at a CAGR of 30% by 2026.

According to a Zenith Media survey, India is expected to become the fastest-growing

telecom advertisement market, with an annual growth rate of 11% between 2020 and
2023.

The Indian Government is planning to develop 100 smart city projects, and IoT will play
a vital role in developing these cities. The National Digital Communications Policy 2018
envisaged attracting investment worth US$ 100 billion in the telecommunications sector
by 2022. App downloads in India is expected to increase to 18.11 billion in 2018F and
37.21 billion in 2022F.

Indian government acts for regulation of telecom

industry

India The telecoms industry is regulated by the following central legislations: the
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (Telegraph Act); the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
(WT Act); the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (TRAI Act); and the
Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act). and government acts for regulation of
telecom industry.
COMPETITIVE SCENARIO
Market Structure and Price-based Competition 8. India’s telecom sector is not only one of
the largest but also among the fastest growing networks in the world. The increase in
subscriptions has been nothing short of dramatic, on occasions touching 20 million in a
month. In the first decade of the 21st century, subscribers grew at 33 per cent annually.
Technological progress and an enabling policy regime combined to transform the market,
expand the network and produce a staggering growth. In 1999, when the New Telecom
Policy was announced, there were thirteen 2G technology-based private mobile service
providers. By 2019, exits and consolidation had reduced the number of operators to eight.
Today, telecom networks are the backbone of India’s digital economy with 4G technology
firmly in situ in all private networks. The country-wide lockdown due to COVID-19
unambiguously established the centrality of communications in maintaining economic
activity and elevated its growth impacts. The sector’s contribution to India’s GDP is
estimated to have increased by 5 to 6 times2 during this time.
Bharti Airtel added 2.74 lakh mobile subscribers in September even as larger rival Reliance
Jio lost 1.9 crore users and Vodafone Idea lost 10.77 lakh subscribers during the month,
according to data released by telecom regulator TRAI on Monday.
The subscriber base of Airtel stood at 35.44 crore in September as against 35.41 crore users
in August. The net additions for the telco came in at 2.74 lakh users, the monthly subscriber
data compiled by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) showed.

India's largest telecom operator Reliance Jio had 42.48 crore mobile subscribers as on
September as it lost net 1.90 crore users.

Troubled Vodafone Idea lost 10.77 lakh subscribers during the month under review and its
subscriber base shrank to 26.99 crore as on September 2021.

It may be recalled that Reliance Jio had disclosed and talked at length about the loss of
subscribers while announcing its September quarter results.

During Q2 FY22, Reliance Jio Infocomm President Kiran Thomas said COVID has been
quite tough on a lot of people in India, especially at the bottom of the pyramid.

"During the peak of the second wave, we had done a lot of initiatives... giving free voice
minutes to keep them on our network... to keep lifeline alive. But, two quarters later, we find
that a large number of people at the bottom of the pyramid have not been able to stay up-to-
date with recharges," Thomas had said.

According to the policy, the company kept them in the database for about 90 days.

"So, effectively, the effect of these people stopping recharging two quarters before is now
getting reflected in our subscriber count, and because of that, you see a net reduction of
about 11 million in this quarter," Thomas had said.

The muted numbers for the two private telcos also echoed on the overall headline wireless
tally reported by TRAI for September.

"The total wireless subscribers decreased from 1,186.72 million at the end of August-21 to
1,166.02 million at the end of September-21, thereby registering a monthly decline rate of
1.74 per cent," it noted.

As on September 30, 2021, the private access service providers held 89.99 per cent market
share of the wireless subscribers whereas BSNL and MTNL, the two PSU access service
providers, had a market share of only 10.01 per cent.

The wireless tele-density in India decreased from 86.78 per cent at the end of August 2021 to
85.20 per cent at the end of September 2021.
 Wireless subscription in urban areas decreased to 637.89 million (or 63.78 crore) at the end
of September 2021 and that in rural areas fell to 528.13 million (52.81 crore) during the
same period.

"As on 30 September, 2021, the top five Wireless Broadband Service providers were
Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (424.84 million), Bharti airtel (203.45 million), Vodafone Idea
(122.36 million), BSNL (19.10 million) and Tikona Infinet Ltd. (0.30 million)," TRAI said.

In the month of November, 2021, 7.33 million subscribers submitted their requests for
Mobile Number Portability (MNP). With this, the cumulative MNP requests increased from
645.54 million at the end of October-21 to 652.88 million at the end of November-21, since
implementation of MNP.

Number of active wireless subscribers (on the date of peak VLR#) in November, 2021 was
996.38 million.

Total Telephone Subscribers

• The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,189.62 million at the end
of October-21 to 1,191.05 million at the end of November-21, thereby showing a monthly
growth rate of 0.12%. Urban telephone subscription increased from 658.83 million at the
end of October-21 to 660.08 million at the end of November-21 and the rural subscription
also increased from 530.79 million to 530.96 million during the same period. The monthly
growth rates of urban and rural telephone subscription were 0.19% and 0.03%
respectively during the month of November-21mm.
• The overall Tele-density in India increased from 86.86% at the end of October-21 to
86.90% at the end of November-21. The Urban Tele-density increased from 138.45% at
the end of October-21 to 138.50% at the end of November-21, however Rural Teledensity
remained same i.e., 59.39% as it was at the end of October-21. The share of urban and
rural subscribers in total number of telephone subscribers at the end of November-21 was
55.42% and 44.58% respectively.
• The overall Tele-density in India increased from 86.86% at the end of October-21 to
86.90% at the end of November-21. The Urban Tele-density increased from 138.45% at
the end of October-21 to 138.50% at the end of November-21, however Rural Tele density
remained same i.e., 59.39% as it was at the end of October-21. The share of urban and
rural subscribers in total number of telephone subscribers at the end of November-21 was
55.42% and 44.58% respectively.
Profile of telecom companies in India
Bharti Airtel Limited, also known as Airtel, is an Indian multinational
telecommunications services company based in New Delhi, India. It operates in 18 countries
across South Asia and Africa, as well as the Channel Islands. Airtel provides 2G, 4G LTE,
4G+ mobile services, fixed line broadband and voice services depending upon the country
of operation. Airtel had also rolled out its VoLTE technology across all Indian telecom
circles. It is the second largest mobile network operator in India and the third largest mobile
network operator in the world. Airtel was named India's 2nd most valuable brand in the first
ever Brands ranking by Millward Brown and WPP plc.
Airtel is credited with pioneering the business strategy of outsourcing all of its business
operations except marketing, sales and finance and building the 'minutes factory' model of
low cost and high volumes. The strategy has since been adopted by several operators.
Airtel's equipment is provided and maintained by Ericsson, Huawei, and Nokia Networks
whereas IT support is provided by Amdocs. The transmission towers are maintained by
subsidiaries and joint venture companies of Bharti including Bharti Infratel and Indus
Towers in India. Ericsson agreed for the first time to be paid by the minute for installation
and maintenance of their equipment rather than being paid up front, which allowed Airtel to
provide low call rates of ₹1 (1.3¢ US)/minute.
In 1984, Sunil Mittal started assembling push-button phones in India, which he earlier used
to import from a Taiwan company, Kingtel, replacing the old fashioned, bulky rotary phones
that were in use in the country then. Bharti Telecom Limited (BTL) was incorporated and
entered into a technical tie up with Siemens AG of Germany for manufacture of electronic
push-button phones. By the early 1990s, Bharti was making fax machines, cordless phones
and other telecom gear. He named his first push-button phones as 'Mitbrau'.
In 1992, he successfully bid for one of the four mobile phone network licences auctioned in
India. One of the conditions for the Delhi cellular license was that the bidder have some
experience as a telecom operator. So, Mittal clinched a deal with the French telecom group
Vivendi. He was one of the first Indian entrepreneurs to identify the mobile telecom business
as a major growth area. His plans were finally approved by the Government in 1994 and he
launched services in Delhi in 1995, when Bharti Cellular Limited (BCL) was formed to offer
cellular services under the brand name AirTel. Within a few years, Bharti became the first
telecom company to cross the 2 million mobile subscriber mark. Bharti also brought down
the STD/ISD cellular rates in India under the brand name 'Indiaone'.[12]
In 1999, Bharti Enterprises acquired control of JT Holdings, and extended cellular
operations to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In 2000, Bharti acquired control of Skycell
Communications, in Chennai. In 2001, the company acquired control of Spice Cell in
Calcutta. Bharti Enterprises went public in 2002, and the company was listed on Bombay
Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India. In 2003, the cellular phone
operations were re-branded under the single Airtel brand. In 2004, Bharti acquired control
of Hexacom and entered Rajasthan. In 2005, Bharti extended its network to Andaman and
Nicobar. This expansion allowed it to offer voice services all across India.
Airtel launched "Hello Tunes", a caller ring back tone service (CRBT), in July 2004
becoming the first operator in India to do so. The Airtel theme song, composed by A.R.
Rahman, was the most popular tune in that year.
In May 2008, it emerged that Airtel was exploring the possibility of buying the MTN Group,
a South Africa-based telecommunications company with coverage in 21 countries in Africa
and the Middle East. The Financial Times reported that Bharti was considering offering
US$45 billion for a 100% stake in MTN, which would be the largest overseas acquisition
ever by an Indian firm. However, both sides emphasize the tentative nature of the talks,
while The Economist magazine noted, "If anything, Bharti would be marrying up," as MTN
has more subscribers, higher revenues and broader geographic coverage. However, the talks
fell apart as MTN Group tried to reverse the negotiations by making Bharti almost a
subsidiary of the new company. In May 2009, Bharti Airtel again confirmed that it was in
talks with MTN and the companies agreed to discuss the potential transaction exclusively
by 31 July 2009. Talks eventually ended without agreement, some sources stating that this
was due to opposition from the South African government.

Logo used by Airtel from 1994 to 2002

Logo used by Airtel until November 2010

In 2009, Bharti negotiated for its strategic partner Alcatel-Lucent to manage the network
infrastructure for the fixed line business. Later, Bharti Airtel awarded the three-year contract
to Alcatel-Lucent for setting up an Internet Protocol access network across the country. This
would help consumers access internet at faster speed and high-quality internet browsing on
mobile handsets.
In 2009, Airtel launched its first international mobile network in Sri Lanka. In June 2010,
Bharti acquired the African business of Zain Telecom for $10.7 billion making it the largest
ever acquisition by an Indian telecom firm. In 2012, Bharti tied up with Wal-Mart, the US
retail giant, to start a number of retail stores across India. In 2014, Bharti planned to acquire
Loop Mobile for ₹7 billion (US$93 million), but the deal was called off later.
On 18 November 2010, Airtel rebranded itself in India in the first phase of a global
rebranding strategy. The company unveiled a new logo with 'airtel' written in lower case.
Designed by London-based brand agency, The Brand Union, the new logo is the letter 'a' in
lowercase, with 'airtel' written in lowercase under the logo. On 23 November 2010, Airtel's
Africa operations were rebranded to 'airtel'. Sri Lanka followed on 28 November 2010 and
on 20 December 2010, Warid Telecom rebranded to 'airtel' in Bangladesh.

Reliance Jio Info comm Limited , doing business as

Jio, is an Indian telecommunications company and a subsidiary of Jio Platforms,
headquartered in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It operates a national LTE network with
coverage across all 22 telecom circles. Currently, JIO only offers 4G service, however it is
working to offer 5G and 6G as well.
Jio soft launched on 27 December 2015 with a beta for partners and employees, and became
publicly available on 5 September 2016. It is the largest mobile network operator in India
and the third largest mobile network operator in the world with over 42.62 crore (426.2
million) subscribers.
In September 2019, Jio launched a fiber to the home service, offering home broadband,
television, and telephone services. As of September 2020, Reliance Industries has raised
₹1.65 lakh crore (US$22 billion) by selling nearly 33% equity stake in Jio Platforms.
The company was registered in Ambawadi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 15 February 2007 as
Infotel Broadband Services Limited (IBSL). In June 2010, Reliance Industries (RIL) bought a
95% stake in IBSL for ₹4,800 crore (equivalent to ₹91 billion or US$1.2 billion in 2020).
Although unlisted, IBSL was the only company that won broadband spectrum in all 22
circles in India in the 4G auction that took place earlier that year. Later continuing as RIL's
telecom subsidiary, Infotel Broadband Services Limited was renamed as Reliance Jio Info
COMM Limited (RJIL) in January 2013.
In June 2015, Jio announced that it would start its operations throughout the country by the
end of 2015. However, four months later in October, the company postponed the launch to
the first quarter of the financial year 2016–2017.
Later, in July 2015, a PIL filed in the Supreme Court by an NGO called the Centre for Public
Interest Litigation, through Prashant Bhushan, challenged the grant of a pan-India license to
Jio by the Government of India. The PIL also alleged that the firm was being allowed to
provide voice telephony along with its 4G data service, by paying an additional fee of just
₹165.8 crore (US$22 million) which was arbitrary and unreasonable, and contributed to a
loss of ₹2,284.2 crore (US$300 million) to the exchequer. The Indian Department of
Telecommunications (DoT), however, explained that the rules for 3G and BWA spectrum
didn't restrict BWA winners from providing voice telephony. As a result, the PIL was
revoked, and the accusations were dismissed.
The 4G services were launched internally on 27 December 2015. The company commercially
launched its 4G services on 5 September 2016, offering free data and voice services till 31 December,
which was later extended till 31 March 2017. Within the first month, Jio announced that it had
acquired 1.6 crore (16 million) subscribers and has crossed 5 crore (50 million) subscriber mark in
83 days since its launch, subsequently crossing 100 million subscribers on 22 February 2017. By
October 2017, it had about 13 crore (130 million) subscribers.

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group

partnership. It is India's leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan
India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platform. With the large spectrum
portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to
deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly 'Digital
India' by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company
is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail
and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible
through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The
Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
in India.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (d/b/a BSNL) is a government owned

telecommunications service provider headquartered in New Delhi, India. It is under the
ownership of Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications,
Government of India. It was incorporated on 1 October 2000 by the Government of India.
Its top official is designated as Chairman and Managing Director who is a central
government civil servant of the Indian Communication Finance Service cadre or a central
government engineer of the Indian Telecommunications Service cadre. It provides mobile
voice and internet services through its nationwide telecommunications network across India.
It is the largest government-owned- wireless telecommunications service provider in India
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is India's government enterprise and its history can be traced
back to the British India. The foundation of telecom network in India was laid by the British
sometime during the 19th century. During the British era, the first telegraph line was
established between Calcutta and Diamond Harbour in 1850. The British East India
Company started using the telegraph in 1851 and till 1854 telegraph lines were laid across
the country. In 1854, the telegraph service was opened to the public and the first telegram
2
was sent from Mumbai to Pune. In 1885, the Indian Telegraph Act was passed by the British
Imperial Legislative Council. After the bifurcation of Post and Telegraph department in the
1980s, the creation of Department of Telecom eventually led to the emergence of
the government owned telegraph and telephone enterprise which led to the foundation of
BSNL.
After providing the telegraph services for 160 years, BSNL shut it down completely on 15
July 2013. It began delivering telegrams to the public in February 1858; this service was
upgraded to a web-based messaging system in 2010 and had been offered through 182
telegraph offices across India.
 Similarity Report

9% Overall Similarity
Top sources found in the following databases:
7% Internet database 3% Publications database
Crossref database Crossref Posted Content database
6% Submitted Works database

TOP SOURCES
The sources with the highest number of matches within the submission. Overlapping sources will not be
displayed.

jec.davjournals.in
1 3%
Internet

gscen.shikshamandal.org
2 <1%
Internet

diva-portal.org
3 <1%
Internet

oaji.net
4 <1%
Internet

Sharma, Sanjay. "A Comparative Study of the Impact of Telecom Revol...

5 <1%
Publication

University of Nottingham on 2017-03-16

6 <1%
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Symbiosis International University on 2018-10-01

7 <1%
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docshare.tips
8 <1%
Internet

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Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore on 2011-11-15

9 <1%
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econstor.eu
10 <1%
Internet

Joshi, Vinay S.. "Telecom Regulatory Authority: A Comparative Study.",...

11 <1%
Publication

GGS IP University Delhi on 2021-11-27

12 <1%
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mdpi.com
13 <1%
Internet

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh on 2023-05-16

14 <1%
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London School of Economics and Political Science on 2013-10-02

15 <1%
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dartconsulting.co.in
16 <1%
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Queen Mary and Westfield College on 2018-01-09

17 <1%
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Manchester Metropolitan University on 2023-09-11

18 <1%
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archivo.alde.es
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iors.ir
20 <1%
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ijhsss.com
21 <1%
Internet

Dr. V.N. Bedekar Institute of Management Studies on 2023-05-06

22 <1%
Submitted works

Indian Institute of Mangement Rachi Suchana Bhawan on 2023-10-05

23 <1%
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irgu.unigoa.ac.in
24 <1%
Internet

isidore.science
25 <1%
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Aston University on 2020-11-09

26 <1%
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vdocuments.pub
27 <1%
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Kingston University on 2009-08-03

28 <1%
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National College of Ireland on 2019-10-26

29 <1%
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Tezpur University - CN-173457 on 2022-11-10

30 <1%
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The University of Manchester on 2013-10-10

31 <1%
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University of Greenwich on 2022-09-01

32 <1%
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researchgate.net
33 <1%
Internet

Ajit Nayak, Mairi Maclean. "Co-evolution, opportunity seeking and instit...

34 <1%
Crossref

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore on 2009-12-09

35 <1%
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Ndebele, Nicholas. "Mobile Remittances as Sociotechnical Networks: ...

36 <1%
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Pacific University on 2021-01-18

37 <1%
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The University of Manchester on 2022-05-20

38 <1%
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Turiba University on 2021-05-11

39 <1%
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University of Wolverhampton on 2021-05-31

40 <1%
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Bing-Lian Liu, Wei-Lin Liu, Cheng-Ping Cheng. "The Efficiency of Contai...

41 <1%
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Munich International School on 2020-10-05

42 <1%
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Nazarbayev University on 2018-04-04

43 <1%
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bsmedia.business-standard.com
44 <1%
Internet

Sources overview
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Excluded from Similarity Report

Manually excluded sources Manually excluded text blocks

EXCLUDED SOURCES

slideshare.net
1%
Internet

en.wikipedia.org
1%
Internet

pdfcoffee.com
<1%
Internet

coursehero.com
<1%
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ibef.org
<1%
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EXCLUDED TEXT BLOCKS

Airtel is credited with pioneering the business strategy of outsourcing all of its bus...
wikimili.com

Currently, India is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market with asu...

www.bseindia.com

In October 2021, Vodafone Idea stated that it is in advanced talks to sell a minority...
www.bseindia.com

The Rs. 12,195 crore (US$ 1.65 billion) production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme or
www.electronicbharat.com

Excluded from Similarity Report

 Similarity Report

Bharti Airtel added 2.74 lakh mobile subscribers in September even as larger rival ...
www.business-standard.com

word telecommunication was adopted from the French word telecommunication. I...
gscen.shikshamandal.org

INDIAN TELECOM INDUSTRYIndian telecom industry is one of the fastest growing ...
gscen.shikshamandal.org

sindwa ghats, and Chennai

gscen.shikshamandal.org

in the Indian telecom sector.The Government has enabled easy market access to t...
gscen.shikshamandal.org

crores
gscen.shikshamandal.org

Public-private Partnership model in 9 separate packages across 16 states for aco...

gscen.shikshamandal.org

fiber
gscen.shikshamandal.org

COMPETITIVE SCENARIOMarket Structure and Price-based Competition 8. India’s ...

gscen.shikshamandal.org

In
gscen.shikshamandal.org

Profile
gscen.shikshamandal.org

93
gscen.shikshamandal.org

Excluded from Similarity Report

 Similarity Report

In June 2015, Jio announced that it would start its operations throughout the coun...
gscen.shikshamandal.org

Excluded from Similarity Report