India-UK Telecom Breakthrough: A New Era in Market Access

In a significant development, India and the UK have inked a deal under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that guarantees non-discriminatory market access for telecom services between the nations. This accord could pave the way for expansions by Indian telecom operators into the UK, a market previously untapped by them.

The agreement includes provisions for mobile number portability and specifies that telecom networks and services should be offered on reasonable, transparent, and non-discriminatory terms. It outlines the rights of each country to manage spectrum allocation and interconnection, aligning with the agreement while considering current and future telecom needs.

Moreover, there is an emphasis on ensuring that major suppliers in one country treat suppliers from the other party favorably, similar to their affiliates and subsidiaries. This aspect of the agreement points towards fostering competitive equality and expanding global telecom connections.

(With inputs from agencies.)