Centre for Internet & Society

Who Minds the Maxwell's Demon (Revisiting Communication Networks through the Lens of the Intermediary)

by Sharath Chandra Ram

A holistic reflection on information networks and it’s regulatory framework is possible only when the medium-specific boundary that has often separated the Internet and Telecom networks begins to dissolve, to objectively reveal points of contention in the communication network where the dynamics of network security and privacy are at large – namely, within the historic role of the intermediary at data/signal switching and routing nodes.

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The Supreme Court & Spectrum Management

by Shyam Ponappa

Only the Supreme Court can rectify spectrum management in line with other resources, but all stakeholders can contribute.

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What's Needed Is User-Centric Design, Not Good Intentions

by Shyam Ponappa

The inadequacy of essentials and conveniences around us results from a slack approach to both design and execution. We know we are deficient in execution, but we need to be more aware of deficiencies in approach and design. Good intentions, while important, cannot substitute for good systems design and execution.

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Inflation Control Through Structural Reforms

by Shyam Ponappa

Inflation will persist until supply increases. Policies must therefore address supply through structural reforms, e.g., in telecom and power.

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Folly of Mandating Spectrum Auctions

by Jayna Kothari

The recent failure of the 2G spectrum auctions has brought to the fore serious questions on auctions being the only mode for allocation of spectrum.

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Super WiFi & Shared Spectrum: A Time to Start Sharing

by Shyam Ponappa

Look into sharing spectrum and 'Super Wi-Fi', instead of auctions, refarming and exclusive allocation.

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The Supreme Court Delivers

by Shyam Ponappa

Now, the spectrum and licence issues need resolution. On September 27, 2012, the Supreme Court of India delivered the opinion of a bench comprising five Judges on the Presidential Reference regarding the auction of 2G spectrum.

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Reviving Growth

by Shyam Ponappa

The government needs to reduce interest rates and undertake specific reforms to revive growth. The focus needs to be on communications, specifically broadband, it would yield results. Mobile communications have grown phenomenally but the meteoric rise got stalled. However, if the government initiates reforms in spectrum policies with incentives for broadband delivery, prospects could revive and communications could go through another meteoric rise, becoming the growth engine for the economy.

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The Challenges of Direct Democracy

by Shyam Ponappa

India must weigh the pros and cons of various approaches to direct democracy and develop one of its own.

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NTP 2011 Objective: Broadband

by Shyam Ponappa

The Indian government has to choose between accessible, affordable services and short-term revenue, writes Shyam Ponappa in this article published in the Business Standard on June 2, 2011.

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