Govt wants fair competition, will not encourage monopoly: Prasad to telecom CEOs

New Delhi: The government on Saturday told the telecom industry that it wants fair competition in the sector and will not encourage monopoly, while asking companies to prioritise quality of service and ensure “robust involvement” in 5G as well as a blueprint for the $5-trillion economy.

Telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who met industry honchos, also assured them of the government’s full support on outstanding issues such as cut in levies and refunds.

“I spoke to them about the need for a robust involvement of the industry in 5G innovation, startups and creation of 5G products that can create India-specific patents. I said that in the $5-trillion economy target, 25% should be telecom’s contribution,” the minister said after meeting industry CEOs.