On May 17, 2023, India celebrated World Telecom Day, marking the advancements and achievements in the telecommunication sector. This year has special significance for the country as it marks the completion of two decades of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). One of the major highlights of the day was the launch of the Sanchar Saathi portal, aimed at bolstering transparency, security, and accountability in India’s telecom industry.
Understanding the significance of World Telecom Day
World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually since 1969, commemorating the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. Its goal is to increase awareness about the importance of telecommunication and its role in socio-economic development. The theme for World Telecom Day 2023 is “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies,” signifying ITU’s commitment to support LDCs in utilizing ICT for their sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The launch of Sanchar Saathi Portal
The Sanchar Saathi portal, developed under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is poised to revolutionize the telecom sector in India. Its primary objective is to tackle fraudulent activities prevalent in the telecom industry such as identity theft, forged KYC, and banking fraud. By implementing advanced technologies, the portal facilitates a secure and trustworthy telecommunication experience for users.
Reforms introduced by the Sanchar Saathi Portal
The Sanchar Saathi portal introduced various reforms including Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to block stolen or lost mobile phones, ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ to allow users to check mobile connections registered in their name, and ASTR, an AI and Facial Recognition-powered solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification. These reforms have allowed over 40 lakh fraudulent connections to be identified and over 36 lakh to be disconnected.
Evolution of India’s Telecom Sector
In 2020-2021, the telecom industry contributed 6% to India’s GDP and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2020 to 2025. India stands as one of the largest consumers of data globally. Recognizing this, the Union Cabinet approved a Rs 12,195 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom and networking products under the Department of Telecom. With the growing demand for skilled workers in 5G-centric technologies, India is set to require around 22 million skilled workers by 2025.
Recent Developments in the Telecom Sector
The telecom sector in India has seen significant developments, including the rollout of 5G trials, the BharatNet project aimed at providing broadband connectivity to gram panchayats, and the introduction of Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The DoT also released the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 Bill to regulate Internet-based OTT (Over-The-Top) telecom services.
Reforms in the Telecom Sector
Several reforms were introduced, such as rationalization of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) definition, a moratorium on spectrum dues, and increased tenure. Other changes include permit for spectrum sharing, surrender, and trading, rationalization of bank guarantees, and an increased foreign investment limit. These measures aim to simplify licensing and regulatory compliance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Question
Lastly, a sample UPSC Civil Services Examination question reads: “Which of the following is/are the aims/aims of the ‘Digital India’ Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did. 2.Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centers within our national geographical boundaries. 3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centers.” The correct answer is (b) 3 only.