DoT seeks to hasten approval process for infra, cable rollout

To remove bottlenecks in permissions from authorities for rolling out networks, Department of Telecom (DoT) has mooted uniform rules and single window clearance system of approvals. It has written to states and central government ministries and departments proposing new rules to be applicable uniformly across India. ‘Delay in providing Right of Way (RoW) permissions and high RoW charges impedes the development of telecom infrastructure adversely affecting access to telecom and internet. There is urgent need to simplify the process of granting RoW permissions and provide these via single window clearance systems in a transparent and time-bound manner,’ Telecom Secretary J S Deepak said.