Abstract
Purpose – In assessing the contribution made by telecommunications in India by the state and civil
society to public service, this article aims to identify the state’s initial reluctance to recognise
telecommunications provision as a basic need as against the robust tradition of public service aligned to
the postal services and finds hope in the renewal of public service telecommunications via the Right to
Information movement.
Design/methodology/approach – This article follows a history of telecommunications approach that is
conversant with the political economy tradition. It uses archival sources, personal correspondence, and
published information as its primary material.
Findings – The findings suggest that public service telecommunication is a relatively ‘‘new’’ concept in
the annals of Indian telecommunications and that a de-regulated environment along with the Right to
Information movement holds significant hope for making public service telecommunications a real
alternative.
Originality/value – This article provides a reflexive, critical account of public service
telecommunications in India and suggests that it can be strengthened by learnings gained from the
continual renewal of public service ideals and action by the postal services and a people-based
demand model linked to the Right to Information Movement.
Keywords Public sector organizations, History, India, State, Civil and political rights,
Telecommunications
Paper type General review