The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the leadership of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region and Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, held the two-day session of newly constituted Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs).
Scindia has constituted six distinct SACs to provide valuable insights to the DoT on various matters pertaining to it. The six advisory committees include telecom service providers (TSPs), internet service providers (ISPs) and infrastructure providers, telecom sector original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), telecom electronics ecosystem, satellite communication ecosystem, and academicians and research and development (R&D) in telecommunications sector.
On the first day, three meeting were conducted. These include satellite communication ecosystem, where its SAC focuses on the role of satellite technology in enhancing communication services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. This committee explores opportunities to expand satellite communication infrastructure, improve regulatory frameworks, and encourage private sector participation. Meanwhile, the telecom sector OEMs SAC aims to bolster the local manufacturing of telecom equipment and reduce dependency on imports. This committee focuses on promoting indigenous production, encouraging innovation, and removing bottlenecks for OEMs. The first meeting involved drawing up a charter w.r.t. policy priorities and resolving issues in the short and the medium terms. The objective is to nurture a robust telecom manufacturing ecosystem in India.
In addition, the telecom electronics ecosystem SAC addresses expansion of the footprint of telecom electronics and component manufacturing sector in India. This group works on strategies to enhance the production capabilities of electronic components and devices used in telecom networks. The initial meeting also discussed measures to support local electronics manufacturing, resolve supply chain issues, and promote research and development in this critical area.
On the second day, the focus was on additional key areas critical to the telecommunications ecosystem. Three meetings were held with members of three SACs including TSP SAC, ISP and infrastructure providers SAC; and academicians and R&D in telecommunications sector SAC. The TSP SAC discussed strategies to enhance service delivery and address challenges faced by telecom operators. The key issues aimed at different aspects concerning the sector including futuristic & innovative areas of growth were discussed. Meanwhile, ISP and infrastructure providers SAC focuses on improving broadband penetration and infrastructure development. The committee highlighted the need for policy support to accelerate infrastructure rollout and enhance internet accessibility, particularly emphasising the deployment of advanced technologies like fiber optics and 5G.
In addition, for the academicians and R&D in telecommunications sector SAC, the focus was on fostering collaboration between academia and the telecom industry. The committee highlighted the importance of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation and developing a skilled workforce for the telecom sector.
DoT is committed to maintaining the momentum from these discussions and will actively work on the insights gained during these meetings. DoT aims to implement the recommendations and foster a productive and innovative environment for the growth of the telecom sector.
Furthermore, the next meetings of the SACs are scheduled in August 2024 where further discussions will continue to build on the foundation laid in this inaugural session.
