Say Hello to Another
Scam
The raging corporate war over the introduction of limited mobility telephone services has turned political, with the Prime Minister's Office being charged with subverting the regulatory system and favouring a few business houses. An INDIA TODAY investigation looks at the conflict between the sanctimonious claims and the grim reality.

Ballot Boxwallahs
The approaching assembly elections have brought to life five states which are set to witness a stiff fight and whose results can have a big impact on all major parties. A profile of the prime contenders who could tilt the balance either way.

Fall From Grace
Despite a triple-digit growth in net profits of Infosys Technologies and Satyam Computers, the stock prices of the two companies have plunged. Is it the gloomy forecast for software companies that's hammering down the prices?

Unnatural Alliance
The CNG controversy has taken a new turn, with doubts being raised about the propriety of the Delhi Government's selection of Nugas as the sole supplier of the conversion kit.

The Doon Boom
The city that houses Doon School is now playing host to a whole array of new education barons--with big money and even bigger ambitions.

COVER STORY: GOVERNMENT

ZIG-ZAG

The way to WiLL-based mobility has been replete with subterfuge at the top and lack of transparency in decision-making.

TRAI's No

June 9, 1999. TRAI clarifies to the Department of Telecom that the New Telecom Policy does not permit limited mobility through the use of WiLL. On January 19, 2000 TRAI was disbanded and then reconstituted as a new body, devoid of legal powers.

DoT Proposes

October 9, 2000. The DoT hands out predetermined terms of reference to
TRAI on limited-mobility phone service.
TRAI is asked to suggest the distance
of limited mobility, entry fee and
spectrum charges.

Singh Steps In

October 11, 2000. A meeting at the PMO, chaired by N.K. Singh, recommends limited mobility by fixed operators and advocates getting it approved by the TRAI.

Mishra calls

November 6, 2000. Strategic Management Group chaired by Brajesh Mishra endorses October 11 decision. Says TRAI must give verdict by December 2000.

TRAI Complies

January 8, 2001. The regulator changes its 1999 interpretation of NTP 1999 and allows for limited services up to 50 km with no restriction on number of service providers.

MPs Alert

March 8, 2001. The Parliament's Standing Committee on Information Technology expresses apprehension on fixed-phone companies providing mobility without a mobile licence; advises level playing field for the two services.

Call Error

March 19, 2001. Mishra and Singh address a press conference and deny that the PMO had any role in framing the guidelines on limited mobility.

GoT-IT gets it

The Wise Men: April 6, 2001. As lobbying and criticism mounts, limited mobility is referred to the 10-member group on telecom. The GoT is to adjudicate the dispute.

MetroScape

Wealth Of Art
April 8 saw an unabashed get together of Mumbai's Who's Who when the annual Harmony Show, well known as "Tina Ambani's baby", celebrated its sixth showing at the Nehru Centre.
more...

Looking Glass

Bangalore Hotel:
Park.hotel

Mumbai Store:
Regent Watch and Jewellery Boutique

A war of words is on at the Jammu border where India is trying to build a fence to stop infiltration, much to Pakistan's dislike, reports
INDIA TODAY's Special Correspondent Ramesh Vinayak in Despatches.