Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw,
Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusingh Chauhan,
Hon’ble Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan,
TRAI Chairman, Dr PD Vaghela,
Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Shri Anshu Prakash,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Namaskar!
Let me first express my profound regret for not being able to join physically, as was planned, due to a family emergency over the weekend. I was very pleased and honoured to receive the invitation to join you for this celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and it is very disappointing not to be there with you.
Nevertheless, I am delighted to be able to make this contribution to the event.
This milestone in the history of TRAI could not come at a more significant time with India now one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for digital consumers in the world; it is the world’s third-largest startup scene; it is in the frontline of digital currencies; and is on the way to connecting 6 lakh villages with broadband.
TRAI has played an important role in this success by facilitating the spread of telecom networks across the country, including importantly in the rural areas. This has benefited Indian consumers in terms of choice, price and quality of service. These networks have been a driving force behind flagship programmes such as Digital India. They have helped support progress in all sectors of the economy, from finance to health to education—so much so that India is forecast to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy in 2022.
Earlier this month, the Hon. Prime Minister told a trade summit that “T” was for “Technology,” enjoining the audience to bring its benefits to as many people as possible. I believe that “T” also stands for “Together” and I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm ITU’s commitment to working together with you to build on these achievements, and to congratulate you on all you have achieved so far.
As research into 6G gets underway, we look to India’s support and leadership in this area of ITU’s work, as well as AI, which has the potential to make India a top manufacturing destination.
The upcoming opening of the ITU South Asian Area Office and Technology Innovation Centre in New Delhi will I hope encourage more Indian companies and universities to become active in ITU.
Today we also celebrate another anniversary: the establishment of the ITU in 1865 with the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), whose theme this year is “Digital technologies for older persons and healthy ageing.”
Once again let me congratulate TRAI and all it has achieved during its first 25 years, and I encourage you to continue to foster the collaborative regulation that will bring low cost, high quality telecoms to all the citizens and businesses of India.
Happy silver jubilee to TRAI, and Happy World Telecommunication and Information Society Day!