Indian regulator TRAI has begun a public consultation over a four-year plan aimed at securing the country’s position as a “front runner of the fourth industrial revolution” by 2022.
TRAI’s National Telecom Policy – 2018 sets out draft proposals for connecting more of the country’s population as well as boosting wireless and fixed broadband speeds. In addition, the regulator has set a goal of bringing in $100 billion worth of investment in communications.
The document marks India’s first major statement of intent for its telecoms industry in six years, and includes lofty goals such as increasing urbanisation to create “world class cities”, thereby allowing India to assume ““the leadership role in the world economy”.
The policy proposes amendments to regulatory frameworks and sets out recommendations for business processes, connecting rural areas, quality assurance measures, and fostering both the development and adoption of next generation technologies.
TRAI confirmed that the policy as aimed at spurring socioeconomic development, and said that if implemented it would “provide reliable and secured connectivity with assured quality of service, facilitate development of infrastructure and services for new technologies including 5G and IoT, encourage innovation and manufacturing, and develop a large pool of digitally skilled man-power.”
The Department of Technologies requested that TRAI draw up the document after holding preliminary talks with operators, vendors, consultancy firms and industry associations. The consultation is open until 19th January.
