India’s Digital Connectivity and Payments Set to Transform Global Infrastructure

India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) has received notable global interest, with 12 nations having implemented it, as stated by an official from the Ministry of External Affairs. Digital payments facilitated by online connectivity and immediate user verification have significantly lowered transaction expenses, increased transparency, and lessened misallocation. This initiative has established a new open architecture, facilitating the emergence of innovative business models like the open network for digital commerce.

Communication services based on satellites are advancing quickly and may significantly contribute to enhancing digital connectivity, stated Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti during the . He highlighted that both geo and non-geostationary systems will significantly aid the coverage of digital connectivity.

"Having digital connectivity alone does not translate into the outcomes; rather, how technology is made to work for the people is more crucial. Here, India has again led in the form of digital public infrastructure under the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and mobile) trinity, which has accelerated the process of financial inclusivity," Lahoti said.

The sector watchdog has also recommended a framework for embedded SIM for M2M communication to stimulate the development of a homegrown M2M eSIM ecosystem. Lahoti further discussed recommendations for the experimental use of the Terahertz spectrum and the license-exempt use of the 77 to 81 GHz band for automotive radars.

"Telecom is changing the way we live," COAI Director General SP Kochhar said, adding that multiple sectors are becoming dependent on telecommunication services.