World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024: Industry Experts Views

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024 focuses on connecting everyone and promoting sustainable prosperity through digital innovation. This initiative aims to tackle critical global issues, including climate change, hunger, and poverty. By leveraging digital advancements, WTISD 2024 is projected to achieve 70% of the targets set under the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Industry leaders share thoughts with The Hans India on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024.

“World Telecommunication & Information Society Day is celebrated every year to mark the incredible contribution of telecom in building digital networks and economy,however, as the digital landscape is growingly becoming all-pervasive,nowthe telecom industry needs to validate its sustainability efforts.It’sestimatedthat digital technologies canhelp achieve 70% of targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.On our part, Nokia globally has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Weare actively participatingin many standardization forums to develop standards for energy-efficient telecommunications networks. Circulartelecommunications products, responsible use of AI, etc. On the manufacturing front, our Chennai factory in India fulfils 80% of its energy requirement with green energy and aims to achieve 100% green energy use by 2025. With the fastest rollout of 5G, India is on the cusp of a digital revolution with its pioneering initiatives in the adoption of AI and also taking the right steps in establishing its 6G leadership.Nokia remains committed to working with all its stakeholdersas India readies to steer global digital innovation and leadership.”

“In realm of telecommunications, every day is a testament to the power of connectivity and innovation. This year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day theme ‘Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development’ serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to use the technology for betterment of the society and the planet. The introduction of 5G networks represents a significant advancement, offering speeds and connectivity that facilitate innovation across various sectors. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming customer service and network efficiency, while Open RAN offers a more adaptable infrastructure. Moreover, with the transition to network cloud orchestration, telecom providers are adjusting their approach to meet evolving customer needs with scalable and agile solutions.On this significant occasion, let’s reaffirm our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that every technological advancement contributes to uplifting and empowering the global community. As leaders in the telecommunications industry, let’s pave the way for a brighter future where technology drives positive change, and innovation is synonymous with sustainability. Let’s all contribute to bridging the digital divide and securing a more equitable and sustainable future for every corner of the globe.”

“India’s telecom sector has emerged as a key driver of economic growth and development, contributing 6.5% to the nation’s GDP. India has demonstrated a strong focus on innovation, possibilities, and inclusive growth in its telecom journey from, 5G adoption to technological breakthroughs. The 5G spectrum was successfully auctioned off by India, creating the foundation for next-generation connectivity while providing numerous opportunities for businesses and consumers. With the introduction of 5G services—which are among the fastest in the world—a new age of high-speed, low-latency communication has arrived. MediaTek foresees that new-age technologies such as 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (both Generative AI and Cloud AI), AR/VR, advancements in 5G, 6G, and edge computing will drive the next wave of technological advancements.

Furthermore, The National Digital Communications Policy of 2018, the PLI scheme, the Bharatnet project, and other government programs/ initiatives have contributed significantly to the growth of domestic manufacturing, the expansion of digital infrastructure, and the closing of the digital gap between urban and rural areas. The commitment to empowerment and connectivity ensures the democratization of technology, even in the most remote corners of the nation.”

“For India to be among the top three economies of the world, broadband penetration needs to increase from about 13% to 80%. This requires connecting over 20 crore households with broadband services, which sets the ground for large-scale deployment of fibre, mobile towers, etc. GIS will be a crucial technology here, enabling stakeholders to achieve unmatched precision and cost and time efficiency in the projects. Using GIS-powered digital twins, broadband planning, execution, and network management will be more efficient and cost-effective. GIS will make broadband deployment a much easier task due to a lot of data that is now available for rural areas. Digital twins can also facilitate signal propagation modeling, guiding maintenance, and upgrades for stronger coverage. Expansion in broadband infrastructure, coupled with accompanying amenities like digital literacy programs, online educational resources, job search platforms, and healthcare facilities, will lead to diminished inequalities and greater development. We, at Esri India are continuously working with government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and authoritative data producers to advance various sustainable development efforts in the country. Our contributions to the broadband growth story would be another step towards building a more resilient nation.”

“With India making significant strides in the telecom sector over the decade, it is imperative to take note of how the health of the industry have improved in the recent years. From fastest 5G rollout to the new Telecommunications Act being introduced recently, the momentum seems to be in line with the ‘Digital India’ vision. India has one of the highest data consumptions in the world which has been growing at 20 percent year on year. Over 82% Indians can access telecommunication services in the country and with 5G networks, telecom has helped connecting the farthest corner of the countries with high-speed internet. At Comviva, we believe in harnessing the power of technology to create a more inclusive, connected world. As we advance in our journey, we remain committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive sustainable growth, bridge the digital divide, and enhance the quality of life for communities worldwide through our focus on customer experience and data monetization solutions.”