Dr Neeraj Mittal, secretary (T), DoT, and chairman, Digital Communications Commission
During the past few months, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been making active efforts to drive growth in the telecom sector. Some of these efforts include the announcement of the next round of spectrum auctions, the launch of the Centre for Broadband Proliferation in Rural Areas, the introduction of the spectrum regulatory sandbox, and the launch of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). Dr Neeraj Mittal, secretary (T), DoT, and chairman, Digital Communications Commission, shared his views at the launch event of these and other initiatives. Edited excerpts from some of his addresses…
Driving the Make in India initiative
India’s developers, academia and start-up ecosystem is at the forefront of driving innovation in the country. With immense pride in our nation’s cutting-edge research, we stand alongside Qualcomm in nurturing the entrepreneurial vigour in telecom technology. The initiative of signing an MoU between the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Qualcomm to establish a strategic partnership that will foster innovation in India and support India-based developers and start-ups working on innovative products and use cases is a reaffirmation of the prime minister’s commitment to the government’s Design in India and Make in India vision. It recognises the potential of homegrown start-ups to drive groundbreaking innovations and propel India’s leadership in the telecom landscape.
Launch of DIP
DoT’s launch of the DIP for coordination among stakeholders aims to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cybercrime and financial frauds. Further, the “Chakshu ¼Pk{kq½” facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal, is a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering citizens to proactively report suspected fraud communication. These two new portals are positive steps for dealing with cybersecurity threats to every citizen’s digital assets. These tools will help curb any kind of fraudulent means and misuse of communications systems.
Focus on quantum technology
The role of standards is critical in driving technology adoption and commercial viability. I acknowledge the efforts of the Telecommunication Engineering Centre in setting standards for quantum key distribution. India has the potential to lead in the field of quantum technology as can be seen from the nation’s cutting-edge research efforts worldwide. Start-ups have made significant contributions in pioneering quantum memory technology, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit driving innovation in India.
Recently, an MoU has been signed between DoT and the Pan-IIT US network to facilitate global collaboration and mentorship in high technology projects. DoT reaffirms its commitment to support start-ups in the quantum technology space, recognising their potential to drive groundbreaking innovations and propel India’s leadership in the global quantum landscape. I would also like to emphasise the importance of demystifying quantum technology for the general public and would call for initiatives to increase awareness and understanding among all stakeholders. DoT has been committed to fostering innovation and collaboration in emerging technologies, and looks forward to further advancements in the field of quantum technology.
“The role of standards is critical in driving technology adoption and commercial viability.”
Sangam – Digital twin initiative
The pivotal role of digital twins in modernising infrastructure and fostering innovation, collective action and collaboration must be emphasised. Leveraging digital twins and integrated data systems for infrastructure planning and development is important and should be highlighted. Some of the key features of the digital twins include its ability to replicate physical assets digitally, collect real-time data from diverse sources and model process behaviours. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, enable informed decision-making and potentially save significant costs in infrastructure projects. The emphasis is on breaking down data silos, integrating data across departments and sectors and harnessing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models for better planning and decision-making.
The need for forward planning and Sangam is a top priority initiative for the government. The initiative stemmed from the prime minister’s call for futuristic infrastructure, aiming to break down silos in planning across the ministries. I acknowledge the transformative power of data, computing advancements and internet of things (IoT) capabilities. The aspirational nature of the initiative and its potential to propel India towards becoming a developed country by 2047 is promising. I also express gratitude for the participation of industry leaders, start-ups, innovators and academia.
At the third and final outreach programme for Sangam, the digital twin initiative of DoT in Hyderabad, I want to highlight the convergence of major tech players, start-ups and talent in the area. The programme’s aim is to explore cutting-edge solutions for integrated infrastructure planning and execution through digital twin technologies. Hyderabad has also been significant as a burgeoning technical hub.
We need large-scale deployment of digital twins across diverse sectors. For example, aligning road construction with environmental considerations. Additionally, it is important to stay ahead in the digital landscape and invite stakeholders to collaborate to realise this ambitious vision.
IMC and WTSA 2024
The telecom minister launched the curtain raiser of the World Telecom Standardisation Assembly Delhi 2024 (WTSA 2024) and India Mobile Congress (IMC 2024). The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) prestigious WTSA event will be held from October 15 to 24, 2024, preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024) on October 14, 2024, and the eighth edition of Asia’s premier digital technology exhibition, IMC 2024, from October 15 to 19, 2024 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. These are opportunities for India to make a global impact.
We are on the cusp of a rising era in technology and there is a need for universal participation. We seek cooperation from all stakeholders to make IMC 2024 much more upscale than IMC 2023. There has been acknowledgement of the previous year’s success at IMC 2023 and the positive feedback received at international events such as MWC 2024 in Barcelona. With support from the government and industry, we need to scale up IMC from Asia’s largest forum to a global level.
Meanwhile, WTSA 2024 offers a golden opportunity to set up new standards for us. Plans are discussed to engage students and educational institutions more effectively, emphasising on the importance of gender diversity, with a focus on encouraging more participation from young women. I also suggest organising side events in technology hubs such as Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai to broaden participation, alongside events such as IMC 2024.
The telecom minister has also unveiled the policy on spectrum regulatory sandbox that holds the potential of advancing India’s telecommunications landscape and fostering global collaboration in the field. Further, the minister announced a complete abolition of WOL (wireless operating licence) that further simplifies the licensing processes in telecom. Reforms such as these are notable as steps to unleash the telecom sector’s potential.
Bridging the digital divide
We have inaugurated the Centre for Broadband Proliferation in Rural Areas, marking a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide. The village economy can play a pivotal role in realising the national vision of achieving a developed economy status by 2047. The need of the hour is to leverage high speed solutions, complemented by cutting-edge technologies such as AI and edge processing. DoT has been showing unwavering commitment to democratise opportunities and extend digital access to all citizens.
“DoT has been committed to fostering innovation and collaboration in emerging technologies, and looks forward to further advancements in the field of quantum technology.”
Recently, a tripartite MoU was signed by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under DoT, Prasar Bharti and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to enhance collaborative efforts towards digital inclusivity and connectivity in rural areas. The objective of the MoU is to bundle broadband services with over-the-top (OTT) and e-commerce platforms for rural India, riding on the BharatNet infrastructure under the USOF. This MoU will enable the bundled Prasar Bharati OTT as a service, including linear channels, live TV and on-demand content, among end consumers, while the USOF will ensure efficient and high speed broadband services in rural and remote areas. In addition, ONDC will provide the technical expertise and the necessary framework in enabling digital commerce in products and services. This will be expanded to cover more services such as education, health, training, credit, insurance and agriculture, among others.
