Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for a human-centric approach in the ongoing technological revolution, stressing that global telecommunication standards should prioritize security, dignity, and equity. Speaking at the inauguration of the International Telecommunication Union’s 'World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024' in New Delhi, PM Modi emphasized that the standards set at the event would shape the future of digital technology.
“Our goal should be that no country, no region, and no community is left behind in this digital transformation,” said PM Modi, underlining the need for innovation alongside inclusion. He further called for the creation of a global framework for digital technology to ensure a future that is both technically advanced and ethically sound.
PM Modi also inaugurated the 8th edition of the 'India Mobile Congress 2024,' explaining that while WTSA focuses on global standards, the India Mobile Congress addresses services. Both events, he said, unite global standards and services on one platform.
Discussing reforms in the telecom sector, the Prime Minister pointed to India's success in reducing data costs, stating that internet data in the country costs as little as 12 cents per GB, while in other nations, the price can be 10 to 20 times higher.
“Today, every Indian consumes about 30 GB of data on an average every month,” PM Modi said, adding that India now has 1.2 billion mobile phone users, 950 million internet users, and accounts for more than 40% of global real-time digital transactions.
He also noted how India has demonstrated the power of digital connectivity for last-mile service delivery, making the country’s mobile and telecom progress a subject of global interest. “Telecom is not just a medium of connectivity but a medium of equity and opportunity in India,” he said.
PM Modi highlighted the four pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, extensive digital connectivity, accessible data, and the goal of a ‘Digital First’ approach. These efforts, he said, are delivering robust results. He also discussed the rapid expansion of public Wi-Fi facilities and the undersea cable connections of remote islands like Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
“In just 10 years, India has laid optical fibre eight times the distance between Earth and the Moon,” he remarked, adding that the country is already moving towards 6G technology to ensure future-ready infrastructure.
PM Modi spoke about India's digital transformation, including the impact of the JAM Trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile—which has sparked millions of innovations. He also praised the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for creating new business opportunities and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) for transforming digital commerce.
“In an interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought,” said the Prime Minister, pointing to India's Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy as reflections of the nation’s commitment to building a secure digital environment.
This marks the first time the ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together over 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts from more than 190 countries.
PM Modi Inaugurated New Era of Telecom at ITU-WTSA
PM Modi to Inaugurate India's First ITU-WTSA Event Today
You may also like
Rajnath Singh Lays Foundation for India's Second VLF Communication Station in Telangana
Samsung workers end strike after conciliation, to resume work immediately, says TN government
Maharashtra government announces Diwali bonus for civic staff ahead of poll date announcement
Congress appoints 11 observers, two coordinators for Maha polls
Covid XEC symptoms: Common signs of new variant could 'show up in specific order'
Amanda Staveley net worth explained amid Tottenham takeover claims and Daniel Levy stance
Racy opera with naked rollerskating nuns hits back after claims audience members threw up
'My entitled sister wore white to my wedding – I'll never speak to her again'
India to Launch $2-Bn Incentive Plan for Replacing Diesel-Powered Inland Vessels with Cleaner Alternatives
'Gross violation of ... ': Opposition MPs write to Speaker Om Birla over JPC meet on Waqf bill
Samsung workers call off strike, to return to work: TN govt
We are fully prepared: Cong on early polls in Jharkhand
'Real Terrorist': THIS Social Media Account Issued Bomb Threats To 22 Flights In Five Hours
Man City have three obvious contenders in bid to replace the irreplaceable Pep Guardiola
Brain Teaser To Test Your IQ: Spot The Odd Unicorn In Just 4 Seconds
'I didn't want my dog to be left out this Christmas – this is the advent calendar I'll be buying her'
Mastering Pickleball: 5 Strategies To Play Like a Pro
Israel's demining near Golan signals wider front against Hezbollah, sources say
KBC 16: Amitabh Bachchan Thanks Fans For Celebrating His 82nd Birthday With Love And Grace
SC Set For Grand Expansion: To Get 29 More Courtrooms, Modern Facilities For Judges, Officials And Lawyers