India’s impressive digital transformation continues, with the announcement that it has covered 600 districts with 5G services in less than 200 days. Devusinh Chauhan, Union Minister of State for Communications, revealed the news during the second meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG), calling the deployment one of the fastest in the world. He attributed the achievement to the central government’s public policies and their influence on inclusive wealth and development, which are based on the “Antyodaya” vision.
India’s 5G Deployment
The deployment of 5G services in India is significant, as it provides a faster and more reliable internet connection for citizens. The country has the second-largest telecom network globally, and the development of native 4G and 5G technologies in a limited timeframe has surprised the world. The digital transformation has been fueled by the “Digital Antyodaya” strategy and the “Accessible India” campaign, both of which aim to make everything accessible to people with disabilities in India.
The Impact of Connectivity on GDP and the Digital Economy
During the DEWG meeting, the Secretary of Telecom, K Rajaraman, emphasized the significant impact of connectivity on GDP and the digital economy. The panel discussed the last mile of high-speed connectivity, digital services in social areas, such as education, health, and agriculture, as well as innovation enhancement using AI, IoT, Industry 4.0, and Society 5.0. Additional measures to close the access gaps to smartphones, mobile internet, senior citizens, and rural residents were also discussed.
Thematic Sessions
The DEWG meeting also included three thematic sessions, covering High-Speed Mobile Broadband and its impacts, Digital Inclusion – Connecting the Unconnected, and Sustainable Green Digital Infrastructure: Opportunities and Challenges. The sessions delved into topics such as last-mile connectivity, digital services, innovation enhancement, and digital transformation, among others.
Conclusion
India’s deployment of 5G services in 600 districts in less than 200 days is a testament to its commitment to digital transformation. The country’s focus on inclusive wealth and development, its “Digital Antyodaya” strategy, and its “Accessible India” campaign are driving forces behind the rapid deployment of 5G technology. As India continues to close the access gaps to smartphones, mobile internet, and rural areas, it will undoubtedly become a leader in the digital economy.
