Telecom sector to be contributor; not just a consumer of high-speed data
The telecom sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors as India caters to 1.2 billion consumers. Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday gave a blueprint of the telecom sector. He highlighted rapid 5G expansion, the Government’s preparations for rolling out 6G, and its approach to spectrum distribution. The Government also plans to rein in companies that fail to provide quality services.
In an informal interaction with the media, Scindia said India’s 5G rollout has been among the fastest globally, with services now available in the vast majority of districts. He noted that the focus is now on its use in healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.
On 6G, the minister said India is positioning itself not just as a consumer but as a contributor to next-generation standards and intellectual property. He pointed to ongoing research collaborations between academia, startups, and telecom companies under a national 6G vision framework. He also said that the Government would look carefully at the health aspects associated with 6G, and only after a clean chit would it roll out the services, though it is going to take a few years.
The Government was also mulling satellite internet to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions. Safeguarding national security and fair competition was a top priority. Satellite-based broadband, he added, would complement terrestrial networks rather than replace them.
On spectrum distribution, the minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to transparent and market-driven mechanisms. He maintained that the spectrum is a national asset, and its allocation must balance revenue considerations with sectoral growth and consumer welfare.
Responding to concerns over call drops and inconsistent data speeds, the minister said the quality of telecom services remains a priority. He emphasised stricter monitoring, infrastructure upgrades, and accountability measures for service providers. The interaction underscored the Government’s push to consolidate India’s digital infrastructure while preparing for the next wave of technological transformation.
