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WTSA Event in India
Context:
India is set to elevate its leadership in telecommunications by hosting the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) from October 15 to 24 in New Delhi. This marks the first time the event, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), will be held in the Asia-Pacific region.
Importance of WTSA 2024 :
- Representatives from Around the World: Representatives from over 190 countries will convene to shape the future of global telecom standards.
- Platform for Next-Generation Technologies: It will serve as a platform to discuss next-generation technologies like 6G (sixth generation telecom).
- Showcasing Advancements at IMC: The assembly will feature side-events like the India Mobile Congress (IMC), where leading telecom companies and innovators will showcase advancements in 5G, 6G, and digital solutions.
- Highlighting Women’s Leadership: Sessions led by the Network of Women in ITU Standardisation will emphasise women’s leadership in the digital tech industry and their role in shaping standards.
ITU:
- Overview: Established in 1865, the ITU is a United Nations agency focused on telecommunications standardisation.
- Mission: To ensure seamless global information exchange by creating international standards for communication systems.
WTSA:
- The World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA), organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is a major conference held every four years to set global telecom standards.
- WTSA brings together member states and industry experts to establish standards that ensure interoperability and efficiency in global communication networks.
- It addresses current technologies like 5G and future innovations like 6G, guiding global connectivity, technological development, and investment across sectors such as healthcare, education, and commerce.
India’s Role in WTSA 2024:
- Significance: Hosting WTSA 2024 provides India with an opportunity to shape the global telecom agenda.
- Focus on Future Technologies: Emphasis on advancements like 6G and beyond.
- India’s Role in Global Telecom for the Global South
- Leadership Beyond Innovation:India’s leadership in the telecom sector extends beyond innovation to include advocacy on behalf of developing nations.
- Addressing Challenges in the Global South:Many countries in the Global South face challenges such as low internet penetration and high infrastructure costs.
- A Model for Success:India’s success in rolling out 4G and 5G services, even in rural areas, offers a model for other nations to follow.
- Innovations in Accessibility:5Gi standard, an Indian innovation, was created to make 5G more accessible in underserved regions and has been recognised globally by the ITU.
- Promoting Inclusive Global Policies:By championing standards that address the needs of developing nations, India ensures that global telecom policies become more inclusive.
India’s Present Telecom status:
- 4G and 5G : India now has nearly 100% 4G coverage and is rapidly expanding its 5G infrastructure, reaching over 600,000 villages and establishing more than 442,000 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
- Progress Toward 6G:Additionally, India is making progress toward 6G, holding over 250 international patents.
Importance of Telecom Standardisation:
- Global Connectivity: They facilitate seamless communication across borders, impacting international roaming agreements, global dialling codes, and the reliability of fibre-optic networks.
- Business Growth: Standardisation promotes competition and innovation, making telecom services more accessible and affordable.
- Strategic Influence: Countries that impact global telecom standards can shape emerging technologies and protect their commercial interests.
Telecom Governance in India
Key Policies and Frameworks
- National Telecom Policy (NTP): Provides a framework for telecom sector growth, focusing on universal service, affordability, and innovation.
- Digital Communications Policy (DCP): Launched in 2020, it emphasises a robust digital communication infrastructure and increased broadband access.
- Licensing Regime: Various licences, including the Unified License, allow service providers to offer multiple services under one licence.
- Spectrum Management: The government conducts auctions to allocate spectrum to ensure efficient utilisation and competitive pricing.
Consumer Protection and Quality of Service
- Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations: TRAI has established QoS standards to ensure reliable services for consumers.
- Consumer Grievance Redressal: TRAI mandates a mechanism for consumers to lodge complaints regarding service issues.
Challenges in Telecom Governance
- Infrastructure Development
- Regulatory Challenges: Balancing competition regulation with consumer protection is complex.
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
Future Directions
- 6G and Next-Gen Technologies
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Focus on Inclusivity ie Ensuring accessibility to marginalised communities.
Indian Government Initiatives
- BharatNet Project:An initiative aimed at expanding digital infrastructure across rural areas to enhance connectivity.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):The Government of India approved 100% FDI in the telecom sector under an automatic route to encourage investment.
- PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) 2020
- National Fiber Optic Network 2020
- Production Linked Incentive Scheme:Launched in 2021 this scheme offers a 4% to 7% incentive on incremental sales to promote the manufacturing of design-led telecom and networking products in India.
- Telecommunications Act, 2023:This act allows the Central Government to permit sharing, trading, leasing, and surrendering of assigned spectrum, subject to prescribed terms and conditions.