Telecom networks are the highways of tomorrow, TR Dua, DG, DIPA

Recent years have witnessed the transformation of the telecom sector, with digital technologies now permeating nearly every aspect of our lives, society and the economy. The digital economy is generally understood as an economy driven by digital technologies. The benefits of today’s information-based economy depend on ubiquitous connectivity. Telecom networks are the highways of tomorrow. In India, they also constitute a critical driver of economic growth and inclusion. These networks not only bring the government to the citizens’ doors through e-governance modules but help link producers and consumers to the marketplace as well. Banking, education and healthcare can ride networks to reach citizens in the most remote regions.

Infrastructure contributes significantly to economic development both by increasing productivity and by providing amenities that enhance the quality of life. The impact of infrastructure on economic growth is well documented internationally. In the Indian context too, elasticity’s of output with respect to various stocks of infrastructure indicate that the communication and transport sectors play a dominant role in explaining the variations in GDP and its sub-sectors. The index of industrial production is also found to track closely the movements in the composite index of infrastructure industries. Adequate investment in infrastructure development is a prerequisite for higher economic growth.

The ubiquitous digital connectivity would help in delivering most social services to the bottom of pyramid in cost effective manner in rural and remote areas overcoming the deficit of physical infrastructure in the country. Access to secured data connectivity at affordable prices to every person, enterprise, and industry would transform the knowledge economy of the country.

Given the key role played by infrastructure, the government must have a planned and coordinated approach. However, due to the multiplicity of departments and the lack of communication and coordination among them, decision-making was fragmented. For instance, after the construction of a road, government agencies tend to dig up the road again to lay ground cables, gas pipelines, and so on; this not only leads to unnecessary wastage of resources and increased costs but also causes a nuisance to citizens and pollution. Such a scenario could be avoided through coordination among the involved agencies and by issuing all approvals simultaneously before the construction of the road. The lack of proper planning and execution has hampered India’s economic growth.

5G is the next generation of cellular communications technology with evolutionary and revolutionary services that can have a deep impact on India. 5G can unleash new economic opportunities and societal benefits giving it the potential for being a transformational force for Indian society. It can help the country leapfrog the traditional barriers to development as well as advance the ‘Digital India’ vision.

CT Bureau