The telecom industry in India is growing rapidly at 45-50% annually, facilitated by liberal government policies. The Telecom Commission is the high-level government body that oversees telecom policy formulation, licensing, and promotion of private investment in telecom. The Department of Telecommunications regulates telecom activities and licenses operators under laws like the Indian Telegraph Act. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was established as an independent regulator to encourage fair competition and protect consumers.