The article begins with India’s participation in the World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2022 recently held in Geneva, Switzerland. A delegation led by the Minister of Communications represented India, showcasing the country’s advancements in the telecommunications sector. This attendance comes as India seeks a re-election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the term 2023-2026, an institution it has been a part of since 1869.
World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) Explained
The WSIS 2022 Forum is considered the world’s largest annual congregation of the ‘ICT for development’ community. It offers structured opportunities for networking, learning, and participating in multi-stakeholder discussions on WSIS implementation. The forum’s agenda is built upon submissions received during the Open Consultation Process. The 2022 WSIS Forum serves as a platform to track the achievements of WSIS Action Lines in collaboration with various UN Agencies, providing insights into the evolution of WSIS Action Lines since its inception in 2005.
The Highlights of India’s Participation
During this international engagement, India presented its developed Low mobility Large Coverage Standard, formerly known as 5Gi. This new waveform allows 5G towers to extend their coverage to wider areas, especially in rural and remote locations. Notably, this standard was among the first 5G standards approved by the ITU and has integrated with the globally harmonized 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 17 standards.
India also highlighted the successful connection of over six hundred villages via Optical Fibre cable, with nearly 175,000 already connected. Efforts to expand 4G connectivity through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) are ongoing to ensure no village is left out. Leveraging emerging technologies such as E band wireless carriers, Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and Middle earth Orbit (MEO) satellite connectivity, India aims to bridge the digital divide and fast-track development.
India’s Advances in Connectivity Technology
Taking a leap into the future, India issued its first service license for LEO or MEO connectivity. The application of this technology is expected to foster digital inclusion in remote areas. Other initiatives include the development of a 5G test bed, indigenous 4G and 5G stack, Indian 5G standards, and the establishment of a 6G innovation forum. These efforts are intended to reduce costs, facilitate faster 5G proliferation in rural areas, and avoid reliance on specific vendors.
Understanding the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)
Incepted under the Department of Telecommunications in 2002, USOF plays a crucial role in India’s telecommunications space. It ensures the provision of quality ICT services to people in rural and remote areas at efficient prices. The fund has a current charge rate of 5%, although Telecommunication Service Providers (TSPs) have suggested a reduction to 3%.
The USOF operates as a non-lapsable fund, meaning that any unspent amount from a particular financial year does not expire but is carried forward. Any credits to this fund require parliamentary approval, and it enjoys statutory support under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003.