The telecommunications sector in India is set for a significant transformation with the announcement of new reforms by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the curtain raiser of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. These reforms, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and promoting innovation, were unveiled at a prestigious event attended by key industry stakeholders, policymakers, and international delegates.
World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024: Shaping the Global Agenda
India is hosting the WTSA 2024, organized by the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), from October 15 to 24, 2024. This event, preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) 2024 on October 14, 2024, in New Delhi, will play a crucial role in shaping the global agenda for standardization of telecom and information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of India's participation in influencing global agendas in emerging technologies such as 6G, IoT, SatCom, Quantum, and AI. The event will also feature the ITU Kaleidoscope conference, ITU exhibitions, Network of Women, and AI for Good, enriching the discourse and promoting inclusivity in the sector.
India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024: Focusing on Innovation and Collaboration
Concurrently with WTSA 2024, India will host the eighth edition of Asia's premier digital technology exhibition, India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, from October 15 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), IMC has become a global platform for showcasing innovative solutions, services, and state-of-the-art use cases.
This year's IMC will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum technology, and Circular Economy, highlighting 6G, 5G use-case showcase, cloud & edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom, and electronics manufacturing. The event is expected to witness participation from over 8,000 CXOs and industry delegates, 150,000 attendees, 350+ exhibitors, 400+ speakers, and will feature 80+ sessions.
Telecom Reforms: Driving Innovation and 'Make in India'
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced key telecom reforms aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and promoting innovation in wireless products. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced guidelines for Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox (SRS) and Wireless Test Zones (WiTe Zones) by WPC Wing, DoT. These zones allow experimentation in unassigned and assigned spectrum bands, facilitating access to research and development opportunities.
Furthermore, DoT has abolished the requirement for Wireless Operating License (WoL), simplifying the licensing process for telecom service providers. This move aligns with DoT's initiatives to drive innovation and improve the ease of doing business in the telecom sector.
MoU with Ericsson to Build a Skilled Workforce in Emerging Technologies:
DoT has collaborated with Ericsson for the "Ericsson Educate" program, aimed at enhancing digital skills for students in universities. This collaboration will focus on developing a curriculum tailored for telecommunication subjects, supplementing theoretical studies with practical knowledge through dedicated labs. These labs are crucial for the telecom sector and will train around 10,000 students in the next two years, strengthening capacity building and skill development in emerging technologies.
The program will specifically target 100 5G use case labs, where institutes will mentor students and faculties in creating innovative 5G products and use cases. The program, tailored for telecommunication subjects, supplements technical studies with practical knowledge crucial for the telecom sector. It aims to train around 10,000 students in the next two years, strengthening capacity building and skill development in emerging technologies.
