Far from being the poster boy of reforms, the telecom sector is currently going through the most painful period since the first mobile call was made in 1995. The sector is reeling under mounting losses, a growing debt pile, irrational spectrum costs and high government levies. The situation is expected to worsen in the next 6 to 12 months as there are more operators in the market facing an uncertain future. Ironically, all this is happening at a time when the Indian telecom sector is at the cusp of a major data revolution. Only 40 per cent of the country’s population has access to internet, which means there is a huge demand for telecom services going forward. Telecom operators will be required to invest heavily in rolling out 4G networks for which capital and human resources will be required. But this silver lining can become reality only if some immediate steps are taken both by the industry and the Centre. The Government needs to lower the financial burden on operators. Operators, on their part, should start creating new revenue streams.