In a recent meeting chaired by Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) established the Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) on Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to involve all stakeholders in shaping and expanding India’s telecommunication ecosystem. The initiative aims to promote inclusive and collaborative policy-making in the sector.
During the meeting, key focus areas were identified, including international standards, India’s role in Intellectual Property and Standard Essential Patent (SEP), connectivity gaps, and the quality of telecom services. SAC members emphasized the importance of aligning research with India’s needs and establishing a dynamic standards community. India has already launched initiatives such as the Bharat6G Vision and Bharat6G Alliance, supported patent and IPR frameworks, and commissioned testbeds to position the country as a leader in the 6G space.
The SAC proposed a three-year roadmap to achieve the goal of securing 10% of global 6G patents and making a significant contribution to international standards. The committee highlighted the need to enhance both wireline and intelligent wireless broadband networks to ensure reliable connectivity nationwide. TSPs called for a supportive policy environment to encourage investments towards achieving 100% broadband coverage across the country.
Minister Scindia urged SAC members to outline a critical path to achieve the discussed targets, defining the roles of various stakeholders, including the government. He emphasized the importance of ensuring high-quality telecom services for citizens and encouraged TSPs to take all necessary steps to meet this objective.
To facilitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration in the telecommunication sector, Minister Scindia has established six distinct Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs). These committees bring together industry leaders, top CEOs, academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups to exchange ideas and strategies for advancing the sector. The SACs aim to provide valuable insights to the DoT on various issues related to the telecommunication industry, ensuring a continuous exchange of ideas and fostering innovation in the sector.
Overall, the meeting chaired by Minister Scindia and Minister Pemmasani highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping India’s telecommunication ecosystem. With a focus on achieving leadership in 6G technology and expanding nationwide broadband coverage, the SACs play a crucial role in driving the sector forward and ensuring high-quality telecom services for all citizens.
