The new DoT policy has 104 initiatives that can boost the telecom industry of India and double the country’s economy in the coming years
Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Department of Telecom, said that the recently launched National Digital Communications Policy 2018 can contribute around $1.2 trillion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product on proper implementation. She has requested network providers to work towards its implementation.
The government has been betting on 5G technology and believes that it has the potential to double the country’s GDP. Over the past few months, India’s telecom sector has been facing challenges in various infrastructure and ease of doing business aspects. The new policy is aimed at addressing these challenges with around 104 initiatives.
Opportunities over challenges
The secretary opined that operators should look at the opportunities rather than the challenges. She cited the examples of 3G and 4G which were once looked as challenges by the telecom industry and opportunities by some. Prashant Singhal, global telecom leader, EY, said that it was important to see how quickly the $1 trillion economy can be achieved. He added that various immediate interventions can accelerate progression.
The department is working on TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum auction, informed Sundararajan. She said that 5G band allocation will also soon be issued.
NDCP 2018
The National Digital Communications Policy was introduced to accelerate the telecom industry of India. With several plans of investments and progress, the policy is distinct and provides a platform for digital communications space across other sectors of the economy, said Ram Sewak Sharma, Chairman, TRAI. He opined India need a new set of guidelines for proper implementation of the revised policy.
Aruna Sundararajan will be meeting telecom service providers this month to discuss fibre-first policy and digital readiness, along with other telecom issues to ensure the quality of service.
