Govt schemes like BharatNet, PM-WANI, and Bharat Nidhi are expanding broadband access

Foreign investment is proving to be a game-changer for India's telecom sector, according to Tilak Raj Dua, Director General of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association. In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Dua highlights how the government's pro-investment policies are accelerating domestic innovation and bridging the digital divide. From attracting billions in foreign capital to fostering a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem, Dua delves into the multifaceted impact of foreign investment on the sector.

He also discusses India's ambitious plans to expand broadband connectivity, reduce import dependence, and become a global leader in telecom standards

How is foreign investment affecting domestic innovation in India's telecom sector?

Foreign investment is having a significant positive impact on domestic innovation in India's telecom sector. The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to attract foreign investment and boost the industry's growth. These include:

♦ The National Digital Communications Policy 2018, which aims to attract $100 billion in investments

♦ The Digital India initiative, focused on enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity

Foreign investment brings in substantial capital, advanced technology, and global expertise, which accelerates the deployment of modern telecom infrastructure and services. This influx creates opportunities for Indian firms to learn from international best practices and integrate into global supply chains.

The "Make in India" initiative encourages foreign companies to manufacture locally and collaborate with Indian partners. This fosters a symbiotic relationship between foreign investment and domestic innovation, boosting Indian startups and companies in the digital infrastructure space.

How can India bridge its fixed broadband gap and catch up globally?

India has implemented several policies and initiatives to bridge its fixed broadband gap and improve its global standing. The government is focusing on providing universal broadband connectivity at 50 Mbps to every citizen and ensuring 1Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats, which will be scaled up to 10 Gbps by 2029.

Key initiatives include:

♦ The BharatNet project, aiming to connect all 250,000 gram panchayats with high-speed broadband

♦ The PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme, creating a vast network of public Wi-Fi hotspotThe Bharat Nidhi Project, focusing on creating robust digital infrastructure for financial inclusion

♦ Leveraging the USOF (Digital Bharat Nidhi) to support infrastructure development in rural areas

♦ Targeting 15 lakhs towers by 2030 and 60 lakh KMs of fiberisation

To further bridge the gap and improve its global standing, India could implement several strategies:

♦ Invest heavily in fiber optic infrastructure, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas

♦ Encourage public-private partnerships for last-mile connectivity

♦ Simplify regulations and reduce costs for IPs to enhance progress in the telecom sector

♦ Promote awareness about the benefits of fixed broadband to drive adoption

♦ Offer tax incentives for broadband infrastructure development

♦ Leverage satellite technology for connectivity in hard-to-reach areas

♦ Implement policies to make broadband more affordable for the average consumer

Can India's push for indigenous tech reduce import dependence in telecom?

India's push for indigenous technology has the potential to reduce import dependence in the telecom sector, although it faces significant challenges. The government's focus on shifting from import-intensive to self-reliant manufacturing is a key aspect of India's telecom ambitions.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, worth Rs 121.95 billion, has attracted 31 companies to commit to additional manufacturing in the telecom equipment space. This push for local manufacturing is expected to create millions of jobs, boost GDP, and secure India a significant share in the global supply chain ecosystem.

Results are already visible, with Indian companies exporting telecom equipment and accessories worth Rs 25,200 crores last year, significantly narrowing the gap between imports and exports. Most of the country's 5G demands are now being met by domestically manufactured products, showcasing the success of the "Make in India" initiative in the telecom sector.

However, success will depend on several factors:

♦ Sustained investment in research and development

♦ Developing a skilled workforce through targeted education and training programs

♦ Creating a supportive ecosystem for startups and innovation in the telecom sector

♦ Ensuring that indigenous solutions are cost-competitive and meet global standards

♦ Balancing protectionist policies with the need for global technological collaboration

What solutions exist for improving rural connectivity in India?

The government is leveraging the USOF (Digital Bharat Nidhi) to support infrastructure development in rural areas and provide affordable broadband services to underserved communities. The PM-WANI scheme is democratising internet access by creating a vast network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, while the Bharat Nidhi Project focuses on creating robust digital infrastructure for financial inclusion.

India's 5G rollout has been impressive, achieving 20 million 5G connections covering over 700 districts within six months of its launch. This rapid adoption is expected to drive innovation across various sectors, from healthcare to agriculture.

Several solutions can be implemented to improve rural connectivity in India:

♦ Expanding the BharatNet project to connect all villages with high-speed internet

♦ Deploying small cells and micro-operators to provide localised coverage

♦ Leveraging satellite broadband services for areas where terrestrial infrastructure is challenging

♦ Implementing community Wi-Fi hotspots to provide shared access points

♦ Encouraging infrastructure providers to share infrastructure in rural areas

♦ Utilizing renewable energy solutions to power telecom infrastructure in off-grid areas

Can India influence global telecom standards despite its current lag?

India's potential to influence global telecom standards, despite its current lag, is increasingly evident and promising. The country's vast market, rapidly growing technological adoption, and improving manufacturing capabilities provide a solid foundation for this endeavor. At the forefront of this effort is the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI), which plays a pivotal role in representing India's interests in global standards bodies like ITU and 3GPP. TSDSI's work in developing India-specific standards, promoting innovation, and facilitating global collaboration is crucial in bridging the gap between India's unique needs and international telecom norms.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is actively contributing to this goal by establishing strategic partnerships and focusing on telecom diplomacy to build a world-class ecosystem. These efforts have already resulted in new business ventures, partnerships with global leaders, and support for domestic startups.

The government's initiatives, such as PLI scheme, are boosting domestic manufacturing and innovation, with 80 per cent of 5G equipment now being locally produced. This growing domestic capability provides a stronger platform for India to influence global standards. India is implementing a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing R&D funding, particularly in emerging technologies like 6G and quantum communications, encouraging patent filings through policy incentives, strengthening TSDSI's role and capabilities, and leveraging its large market size to influence global standards and technology adoption.

India's hosting of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in October 2024 presents a significant opportunity to showcase its progress and shape future telecom standards. This event, bringing together over 2,000 delegates from 180 countries, will allow India to present its perspectives and innovations on a global stage.

Additionally, India is fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, as well as cultivating alliances with other developing countries to push for standards that address shared needs.

The country is also focusing on skill development, investing in training programs to build expertise in standardization processes and emerging technologies. Encouraging Indian tech companies and startups to contribute to open-source telecom projects is another strategy to increase the visibility of Indian innovations globally. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on its strengths, India aims to enhance its influence on global telecom standards, particularly in emerging technologies like 5G and 6G.

While the path to becoming a global leader in telecommunications standards is challenging, India's multi-faceted approach and growing capabilities suggest that it can indeed increase its influence significantly in the coming years. With continued focus on innovation, collaboration, and strategic development, India is positioning itself to transition from being the world's second-largest telecom market to a true global leader in telecommunications, capable of influencing and setting international standards.

How will India keep its telecom infrastructure competitive amid AI and IoT advancements?

India is working on policies to support the adoption and development of advanced technologies like 5G, IoT, and M2M. The focus is on expanding the IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices and creating a conducive environment for the deployment of these technologies. India is poised to keep its telecom infrastructure competitive amid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) through strategic investments, regulatory support, and technological innovation. This investment aims to foster innovation and accelerate the commercialization of advanced technologies, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global tech advancements.

The Telecommunication Act 2023 provides a robust regulatory framework that encourages innovation, enhances security, and promotes technological convergence. The Act establishes a Regulatory Sandbox to facilitate the testing and deployment of new AI applications in a controlled environment. It also empowers the government to set standards for cybersecurity, encryption, and data processing in telecommunications, building trust in AI applications that handle sensitive data.

By investing in R&D, enhancing infrastructure, embracing AI and IoT, and ensuring regulatory compliance, India aims to keep its telecom infrastructure competitive in an increasingly digital world. These strategies will not only bolster the domestic telecom industry but also position India as a significant player in the global telecom landscape. The government is also promoting initiatives like "Make in India" and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes to boost domestic manufacturing and innovation. In-Building Solutions (IBS) will play an important role in enhancing the usage of 5G technology in urban dense buildings.

A robust fiber network is foundational for advanced technologies. The National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) aims to establish a comprehensive fiber optic network across the country, providing high-speed broadband connectivity to both urban and rural areas.

To remain competitive in the face of AI and IoT advancements, India should:

♦ Invest in AI and machine learning for network optimization and management

♦ Develop IoT-specific network slices in 5G infrastructure to support diverse applications

♦ Create a regulatory framework that supports AI and IoT innovation while addressing security and privacy concerns

♦ Encourage cross-sector collaboration to drive innovative applications

♦ Build a skilled workforce through targeted education and training programs

♦ Ensure robust cybersecurity measures for AI and IoT deployments

♦ Promote the development of India-specific AI and IoT solutions.