Telecom Sector SACs Focus on Enhancing Services, Infrastructure, and Innovation in Inaugural Meetings

The Department of Telecommunications is committed to maintaining the momentum from these discussions and will actively work on the insights gained.

Following productive discussions on the first day, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the leadership of Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, continued the inaugural meetings of the six newly constituted Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs). The second day's focus was on critical areas essential to the telecommunications ecosystem. Meetings were held with members of three SACs: Telecom Service Providers SAC, Internet Service Providers & Infrastructure Providers SAC, and Academicians and Research & Development in Telecommunications Sector SAC.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Smt. Madhu Arora, Member (Technology), Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), as well as industry leaders and academia, were present.

These committees aim to facilitate a two-way dialogue with the government on essential matters such as technology promotion, R&D, market strategies for telecom products, promoting local manufacturing, establishing industry-academia linkages, sharing new ideas, and resolving policy issues.

Addressing the media after the deliberations, Shri Scindia said, “We've identified a comprehensive agenda for all three committees. Members of these committees and we will be working together, with varied schedules for the first presentations over the next few weeks. We will tackle each issue in detail and devise an action plan with clear timelines and actionable items to advance our sector.”

Key Highlights of Day 2:

Telecom Service Providers SAC: This committee discussed strategies to enhance service delivery and address challenges faced by telecom operators. Key issues focused on various aspects concerning the sector, including futuristic and innovative areas of growth.

Internet Service Providers & Infrastructure Providers SAC: The focus was on improving broadband penetration and infrastructure development. The committee highlighted the need for policy support to accelerate infrastructure rollout and enhance internet accessibility, emphasizing the deployment of advanced technologies like fiber optics and 5G.

Academicians and R&D in Telecommunications Sector SAC: This committee emphasized fostering collaboration between academia and the telecom industry. The importance of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation and developing a skilled workforce for the telecom sector was highlighted.

Emphasizing continuous engagement with industry leaders and academia, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that insights from the SACs will aid technological advancements, policy reforms, and the overall growth of India's telecommunications sector.

Earlier, Shri Scindia had discussions with members of the Satellite Communication Ecosystem SAC, Telecom Sector Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and Telecom Electronics Ecosystem SAC on July 15, 2024.

The Department of Telecommunications is committed to maintaining the momentum from these discussions and will actively work on the insights gained. DoT aims to implement the recommendations and foster a productive and innovative environment for the telecom sector. Collaborative efforts of all stakeholders are crucial as we move forward in this consultative process.

“By forging these committees, we aim to advance the sector, realizing the Prime Minister's goal of creating not only an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ but also a telecom superpower within India that will hopefully transcend our boundaries in the days to come,” concluded Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The next meetings of the SACs are scheduled for August, where further discussions will build on the foundation laid in this inaugural session.