The proposed Rs 400-crore Andhra Pradesh Broadband Network, which seeks to connect all Mandal headquarters and villages in the state and is expected to be operational by 2007, "is not in conformity with the laws of the land," according to a Departmental Order sent by Misra to Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh Mohan Kanda. "Telecommunications in the country is governed by Indian Telegraph Act, Indian Wireless Act, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act and various other guidelines," Misra said in the DO, dated January six, 2005.
"The project gives rise to several issues and implications," it stated. It also quotes an earlier DO dated (sent by Misra on October 19, 2004), stating that telecom services can be provided only by service providers licensed for this purpose. "Even creating a telecom network for captive use of government using own media and resources requires licence or permission from DoT," it stated. Misra said "there are certain minor issues, which needs to be looked into".
