The TCOE initiative was converted to reality with the signing of tri-partite Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Department of Telecom, Government of India, participating Institutes and the sponsors from the Industry. The TCOEs, set up in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, are an example of the Government, the Academia and the Industry working together for the sustained growth and progress of the country. Timeline of TCOEs’ formation: 22nd May 2006: Then Hon’ble Minister of Communication & Information Technology (MOC&IT) identified the setting up of Centres of Excellence in Telecom sector as one of the thrust areas for the Department of Telecom (DoT). Thereafter, various options for setting up of Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCOE) were explored by a committee formed under the chairmanship of Member (Technology), DoT. The committee recommended setting up of TCOEs in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode taking the premier Technical and Management Institutes of the country, Telecom Industry and the Government departments on board. 11th May 2007: The Committee’s report was deliberated upon and adopted by the Telecom Commission in its meeting. 16th October 2007: On the occasion of Curtain Raiser ceremony for India Telecom 2007, tri-partite Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between DoT, participating Institutes and the sponsors from the Industry for setting up TCOEs at IIT Kharagpur and IIM Ahmedabad. 12th December 2007: Four more MoU were signed during the inauguration ceremony of India Telecom 2007, presided over by the Prime Minister of India. The MoUs sought to establish TCOEs at IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay. 15th February 2008: The MoU in respect of the seventh TCOE at IIT Madras was signed at Chennai.Establishment of Telecom Centres of Excellence
The idea of Telecom Centres of Excellence germinated with the shared realisation, by the Government and the Telecom Industry, that a high growth trajectory of telecommunications was essential for the overall progress of the country. That said, it could not be achieved without local research, development and innovations for local needs.