The centre is to formulate a new Telecom policy – NTP – 2011 – with clear and transparent guidelines. This was stated by Union Minister Kapil Sibal, who took over the charge of Communications and IT ministries 2 months ago. He said in New Delhi that 11 years had goneby after passing the National Telcom Policy – NTP 99. Many changes have taken place since then. He said action will be initiated to formulate a comprehensive NTP 2011. He, however, did not elaborate if changes would be made to the existing NTP'99 policy in respect of allocation of spectrum on the basis of first-come first-served. The Department of Telecom will hold consultations with key stakeholders to evolve a “clear and transparent” regime covering licencing, spectrum allocation, tariffs and spectrum sharing. The announcement comes on the heels of the controversy surrounding the allocation of 2G spectrum in 2008 at 2001 prices. On the increasing complaints over pesky calls from telemarketers, Sibal said regulator TRAI's recommendations on ending the nuisance will come into effect from the first of next month without further delay. For the Department of Post, Sibal has plans to collaborate with leading banks — IDBI, HSBC and ICICI Bank — to provide cards to rural people to facilitate non-cash based transactions for purchase of products and services. To tackle the menace of cyber crime, Sibal said the government will frame and notify rules for data protection and liabilities of service providers under the Information Technology Act.