OCTOBER, 202419Satellite companies planning to enter urban markets should be held to the same requirements as telecom operatorsin cities and villages alike. Over the next 12 to 18 months, almost all of India will have access to 5G, transforming connectivity across the country.5G is expected to enable advanced digital services in many sectors including healthcare, education, and agriculture. For example, telemedicine can be of benefit to rural communities and smart agriculture tools can help farmers increase productivity. 5G deployment is India's commitment to digital inclusion and helps the country emerge as a leader in next-generation connectivity.Semiconductor Manufacturing and Global PartnershipsA key government priority is to make India a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, and looking ahead, there are ambitious plans to do so. Strategic alliances have been formed with countries such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Taiwan to attract semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and initiatives have been introduced. These partnerships, investment, and expertise are expected to be brought to bear in helping the country make the journey towards becoming self-sufficient in semiconductors.India's technological independence requires a domestic semiconductor industry. Locally producing semiconductors allows the country to become less dependent on imports, secure supply chains, and improve its standing in high-tech sectors such as AI, IoT, and advanced computing. This strategic outlook is as important for India's destiny in the digital domain as it is a defining factor for the country's place in the global technology ecosystem.Opening the Space Sector to Private PlayersThe other area of focus is the opening of India's space sector to private investment. The space industry which has been predominantly led by the public sector is now seeing private entities entering the field and bringing innovation and investment. Innovations such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks will focus on increasing connectivity in remote and underserved regions through the government's emphasis.LEO satellite networks play a crucial role in enabling high-speed internet services to be extended to remote areas where traditional terrestrial networks cannot reach -- mountainous regions and deep rural areas. These satellite networks will provide support to existing telecom infrastructure to achieve universal connectivity. This will help close the digital gap so that every citizen even in the remotest of places can avail reliable internet services.Regulatory Reforms and Ensuring Fair CompetitionSatellite companies planning to enter urban markets should be held to the same requirements as telecom operators. It means acquiring licenses, buying spectrum, and paying license fees, hence making it a level playing field for everyone in the industry.The need for securing networks to protect consumers is paramount. Proactive measures such as blocking spam calls and messages show that there is a commitment to provide security for the users. This is in line with the government's vision for a safe digital infrastructure, where the users can avail digital services securely.
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