World Telecommunication Day

Source: Hindustan Times
GS III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Historical Context and Significance
3. Telecommunication Sector in India

Why in the News?

World Telecommunication Day, is observed annually on May 17th.

News in Brief

• Celebrates the advancements in communication technologies and raises awareness about the potential for these technologies to enhance connectivity, improve lives, and drive socioeconomic development.
• The day also highlights the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in bridging the digital divide and fostering global collaboration.

Historical Context and Significance

• World Telecommunication Day marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on May 17, 1865.
• The ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is responsible for issues concerning information and communication technologies.
• This day has been celebrated since 1969, following the recommendation of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos.

Theme and Focus

• Each year, World Telecommunication Day is centred around a specific theme that addresses current trends and challenges in the telecommunications sector.
• The theme for this year’s World Telecommunication Day is – Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.
• Recent themes have included topics such as “Bridging the Standardization Gap,” “ICTs for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” and “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Challenging Times.”

Facts and Figures

• Global Connectivity: According to the ITU, over 4.9 billion people were using the Internet by the end of 2021, representing approximately 63% of the global population.
• Mobile Technology: There are more mobile phone subscriptions than people in the world, with the number of subscriptions surpassing 8 billion in 2020.
• Digital Divide: Despite significant progress, about 2.9 billion people remain offline, with the majority living in developing countries.

Impact of telecommunication

• Education: Telecommunication technologies have revolutionized education by enabling distance learning and access to a wealth of online resources. Initiatives like the Global Education Coalition by UNESCO during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplify this impact.
• Healthcare: Telemedicine has grown rapidly, allowing patients in remote areas to access medical consultations and services, improving healthcare outcomes and accessibility.
• Economic Growth: ICT has been a driving force behind economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities in various sectors, from tech startups to traditional industries adapting to digital transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Celebration of ICT Advancements: Recognizing the significant milestones in telecommunication technologies.
• Themes Highlighting Current Issues: Focusing on relevant themes each year to address pressing challenges and trends.
• Impact Across Sectors: Demonstrating the profound impact of telecommunications on education, healthcare, and economic growth.
• Commitment to Bridging the Digital Divide: Emphasizing the need for continued efforts to ensure equitable access to ICT for all.

Telecommunication Sector in India

• The telecommunication sector in India is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and a critical driver of its digital economy.
• With a massive subscriber base and rapid technological advancements, India’s telecom sector plays a pivotal role in economic development, social connectivity, and digital inclusion.

Historical Context and Evolution

• India’s telecommunication journey began in the 1850s with the establishment of telegraph services.
• The sector witnessed significant growth post-liberalization in the 1990s, which introduced private players and competition.
• The introduction of mobile telephony in the mid-1990s revolutionized communication, and subsequent policy reforms and technological advancements have continually shaped the sector.

Key Milestones

1. 1994: The National Telecom Policy allowed private operators to enter the market.
2. 2008: The 3G spectrum auction paved the way for mobile internet services.
3. 2016: The launch of 4G services by Reliance Jio transformed the market dynamics with affordable data plans and extensive coverage.

Current Landscape

India is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market, with over 1.17 billion subscribers as of 2021.

The sector is characterized by:

• High Competition: Major players include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
• Affordable Services: India offers some of the lowest mobile data rates globally.
• Rapid Internet Growth: Internet penetration has increased significantly, with over 750 million internet users as of 2021.

Key Statistics

• Tele-density: Approximately 85.88% in urban areas and 59.32% in rural areas.
• Internet Subscribers: Around 825 million, with a significant proportion using mobile internet.
• Revenue: The telecom sector’s revenue is projected to grow to USD 26 billion by 2025.

Challenges

1. Spectrum Allocation: High spectrum prices and limited availability pose challenges for expanding services.
2. Regulatory Issues: Frequent policy changes and high taxation can impact business operations.
3. Infrastructure: Developing robust infrastructure, especially in rural areas, remains a challenge.
4. Financial Stress: High levels of debt and competitive pricing pressures have led to financial instability among telecom operators.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the telecom sector:

• Digital India: Aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society.
• BharatNet: Seeks to provide high-speed broadband to rural areas.
• 5G Rollout: Plans to launch 5G services to enhance connectivity and support emerging technologies like IoT and AI.

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