India will play ‘Decisive Role’ In 5G Era: TRAI Secretary Said

India will play a ‘decisive role’ in the 5G era due to its inherent strengths in the digital and software space. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Secretary SK Gupta said this on Thursday. Gupta said that in addition to this, the liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) regime, progressive manufacturing program, and the goal of becoming self-sufficient will help bring in large investments, which will drive the telecom market to grow. Gupta said Excessive dependence on the import of telecom equipment is a matter of concern. It has financial and security implications. For this, there is a need to encourage domestic production by making better plans. The current global supply chain has been disrupted and this has created new opportunities in the field of telecommunications development.

The TRAI secretary said, “There has been a tremendous growth in the telecom network, but we are largely dependent on the import of telecom equipment.” Every year telecom imports are more than one lakh crore rupees, which is a matter of concern. ”He said that now our focus is on increasing domestic production of equipment and becoming self-sufficient.

Addressing a webinar of the Ph.D. Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Gupta said, “The import of telecom equipment not only has a financial impact but also raises security concerns.” The risk of the supply chain being limited to a few sectors has received the attention of world leaders. “

He said that self-reliance is a step taken by the Government of India at the right time. “The current global supply chain is disrupted and new opportunities are emerging in the telecom development sector,” Gupta said that India will play an important role in the 5G era through its strength in software and digital infrastructure.

He said that the liberal FDI system and the Production Based Incentive (PLI) scheme for the telecom equipment sector will strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem of the country which will help attract large investment in the Indian market.