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    HomeLatest NewsWorld Telecommunication Day: Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development

    World Telecommunication Day: Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development

    The global community celebrates World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) on 17 May 2024. World Telecommunication Day is commemorated to raise awareness about the opportunities and possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as ways to bridge the digital divide. This year’s theme, Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development, emphasizes the critical role of cutting-edge digital technologies in driving sustainable development and enhancing connectivity across the globe.

    Industry Leaders Opinion on World Telecommunication Day 

    Tarun Chhabra, Country Manager, Nokia India

    World Telecommunication & Information Society Day is celebrated every year to mark the incredible contribution of telecom in building digital networks and economy, however, as the digital landscape is growingly becoming all-pervasive, now the telecom industry needs to validate its sustainability efforts. It’s estimated that digital technologies can help achieve 70% of targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. On our part, Nokia globally has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. We are actively participating in many standardization forums to develop standards for energy-efficient telecommunications networks. circular telecommunications products, responsible use of AI, etc. On the manufacturing front, our Chennai factory in India fulfils 80% of its energy requirement with green energy and aims to achieve 100% green energy use by 2025. With the fastest rollout of 5G, India is on the cusp of a digital revolution with its pioneering initiatives in the adoption of AI and also taking the right steps in establishing its 6G leadership. Nokia remains committed to working with all its stakeholders as India readies to steer global digital innovation and leadership.   

    Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General, COAI

    As we celebrate World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD 2024) this year, it is crucial to acknowledge India’s ascent as the 3rd largest digitized nation in the world. India has embarked on diverse projects with ICT as the foundation, offering the potential to build a sustainable economy. A key enabler in this journey is the rapid adoption of mobile Internet, which the United Nations deems essential for achieving its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Also read: How Quantum Computing is Revolutionizing the Future

    With 5G getting the fastest rollout globally in India, it is heartening to see 5G use gaining traction in India, setting the digital landscape for a transformative shift. However, this growth is not without challenges. Expanding mobile connectivity across India’s vast expanse requires substantial investment in spectrum and infrastructure, highlighting the need for equitable contributions from all stakeholders, particularly the Large Traffic Generators (LTGs) who burden the networks with humongous disproportionate traffic. Equally important is the need to look forward at the needs to strengthen the mobile services ecosystem with potent spectrum in the mid-band segment, such as the 6 GHz band, which would be decisive in the success of 5G, 5G Advanced and the future 6G deployments in India.

    The telecom sector, serving as the central nervous system of digital communications, also presents opportunities for sustainable development. Both 5G and the future 6G are poised to bring in improved energy efficiency in the networks, despite higher power consumption due to the densification requirements of the networks. The Indian telcos are increasingly adopting green telecom networks, which focus on energy-efficient operations, carbon emission reductions and the use of renewable energy sources. Moreover, innovative 5G applications like IoT, smart grids, precision agriculture, among others, will further contribute to our nation’s sustainability goals. This is in addition to the efficiencies to be driven via use of 5G across diverse sectors like healthcare, education, transport, manufacturing, logistics, mining, etc., which will take us closer to achieving the country’s sustainability goals. Overall, India’s digital journey is not just about technological advancement but also about leveraging this progress to achieve broader socio-economic and environmental objectives, aligning with global sustainability efforts and fostering a greener future, which reflects in the commitment and the continued efforts being undertaken to achieve these objectives in the most effective manner.

    Manish Mangal, Chief Technology Officer, Telecom and Global Business Head, Network Services, Tech Mahindra

    In realm of telecommunications, every day is a testament to the power of connectivity and innovation. This year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day theme ‘Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development’ serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to use the technology for betterment of the society and the planet. The introduction of 5G networks represents a significant advancement, offering speeds and connectivity that facilitate innovation across various sectors. Additionally,  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming customer service and network efficiency, while Open RAN offers a more adaptable infrastructure. Moreover, with the transition to network cloud orchestration, telecom providers are adjusting their approach to meet evolving customer needs with scalable and agile solutions. On this significant occasion, let’s reaffirm our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that every technological advancement contributes to uplifting and empowering the global community. As leaders in the telecommunications industry, let’s pave the way for a brighter future where technology drives positive change, and innovation is synonymous with sustainability. Let’s all contribute to bridging the digital divide and securing a more equitable and sustainable future for every corner of the globe.

    Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India

    India’s telecom sector has emerged as a key driver of economic growth and development, contributing 6.5% to the nation’s GDP. India has demonstrated a strong focus on innovation, possibilities, and inclusive growth in its telecom journey from, 5G adoption to technological breakthroughs. The 5G spectrum was successfully auctioned off by India, creating the foundation for next-generation connectivity while providing numerous opportunities for businesses and consumers. With the introduction of 5G services—which are among the fastest in the world—a new age of high-speed, low-latency communication has arrived. MediaTek  foresees that new-age technologies such as 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (both Generative AI and Cloud AI), AR/VR, advancements in 5G, 6G, and edge computing will drive the next wave of technological advancements.

    Furthermore, The National Digital Communications Policy of 2018, the PLI scheme, the Bharatnet project, and other government programs/ initiatives have contributed significantly to the growth of domestic manufacturing, the expansion of digital infrastructure, and the closing of the digital gap between urban and rural areas. The commitment to empowerment and connectivity ensures the democratization of technology, even in the most remote corners of the nation.

     Sanjeev Chhabra, Managing Director & CEO, Beetel Teletech Ltd

    On this World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Beetel reaffirms its commitment to providing smart, sustainable telecommunication solutions across India and around the globe. For over three decades, we have led the way in meeting India’s evolving communication needs for households and businesses. Through our high-quality, eco-friendly products and services, we have touched the lives of over 40 million customers in 300+ cities.

    We are proud to be a preferred partner for some of the largest telecom solution providers in India and globally empowering people and businesses with cost-effective, advanced, and sustainable connectivity solutions. With a vision to constantly enhance lives through innovative communication solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities while prioritizing eco-friendliness, we are dedicated to contributing to India’s remarkable growth story in telecommunications.

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