World Telecommunication Day, celebrated annually on May 17th, marks a significant moment in the global communications industry. Established in 1969 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this day highlights the vital role of telecommunication in our daily lives and the continuous advancements driving the sector forward. Each year, the ITU chooses a theme to focus on current challenges and opportunities within the industry, emphasizing the importance of connectivity, innovation, and inclusive growth.
In an era where digital transformation is pivotal, World Telecommunication Day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of communication technologies. From bridging the digital divide to fostering economic development and social inclusion, telecommunications play an essential role in shaping a more connected and equitable world. As we celebrate this day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the efforts of industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers working tirelessly to enhance global communication networks, ensuring everyone has access to the digital tools necessary for progress and development. Let’s embrace the spirit of innovation and collaboration that World Telecommunication Day embodies, paving the way for a more connected future.
“On World Telecommunication Day, we celebrate the transformative power of connectivity. At NP Digital India, we’re committed to bridging gaps, fostering innovation, and empowering communities through digital communication. Together, let’s build a world where every voice is heard and every connection counts.” – said Prady, CEO, NP Digital India
“Digital innovation is a gateway to a connected world. And when we use the innovation to empower every individual with means to thrive in the world, development is more inclusive and sustainable. Imagine a farmer in a remote village using a smartphone app to check weather patterns and increase crop yields, or a student accessing world-class education with just a click, or a senior citizen accessing healthcare service from home! These aren’t just dreams; they are real-life wins happening right now, thanks to digital tech. Another great example is digital innovation bringing together wildlife conservationists, researchers, technology & tools and information on similar projects across the globe and facilitating free exchange of information and promoting sustainable development goals. On this World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let’s celebrate how digital innovation is empowering people everywhere. It is breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field, so no matter where you are, you have got the same shot at success. Here’s to digital innovation – our ticket to a future where sustainable prosperity is a shared journey, not a solo ride.” – said Meghan Nandgaonkar, Head of JDU, Fujitsu
“Over the past few years, we have seen the telecom industry in India take some major steps forward, especially in 5G development and it is heartening to see the expansion of broadband in the rural belt of India. India’s 5G reach has crossed the 150 million mark in 2024 with more than 159M subscribers, netting about 15% penetration. In addition to the deployment of 5G infrastructure, we are also seeing major development and deployment of new use cases for consumers and enterprises which is essential for the adoption of 5G technology. We also need to build networks that are enabled with AI-native capabilities. On the occasion of World Telecommunications Day, we must strive to move to an era where future networks are based on enhanced capabilities in spectrum efficiency, connection density, security, and open interfaces. At Fujitsu Research, we are seeing major developments in creating energy-efficient and hardware-agnostic 5G and 6G networks. With our extended front haul and AI-based automation solutions in wireless networks, we provide cost-effective options to global customers. Faster innovation is achieved with open product architectures and continued collaborations with ecosystem partners, such as hardware accelerators and versatile cloud platforms. Networks are soon going to be enabled with AI-native capabilities, and we are well-placed to leverage our deep experience in the latest AI technologies, including LLMs.”- said Kaushik Sinha, Head of Mobile Systems, Fujitsu Research India Pvt. Ltd., Senior R&D Director
“In the realm of sustainable development, digital innovation takes center stage, with telecommunications playing a pivotal role. The introduction of 5G technology marks a transformative era in India’s education sector, ushering in unparalleled advancements in connectivity and learning. Leveraging 5G’s high-speed, low-latency networks, online education becomes seamless, bridging geographical divides between urban and rural areas. Collaborative efforts between academia, telecommunications firms, and research institutions are fostering the growth of private 5G campus networks, enriching educational infrastructure and accessibility. Moreover, 5G-enabled remote and virtual labs revolutionize traditional learning environments, offering students immersive experiences virtually. These advancements enhance educational content also promote environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on physical resources and travel. At Mahindra University, our Wireless Innovation and 5G Lab is dedicated to crafting technical solutions for private 5G networks, empowering students with real-time experiences and limitless exploration. As we continue to integrate digital technologies into education, the symbiotic relationship between academia and the telecommunications industry becomes imperative in propelling sustainable development and equipping future generations for a globally connected world.”- said Dr. Subbarao Boddu, Professor, Mahindra University
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“India’s telecom sector has emerged as a key driver of economic growth and development, contributing 6.5% to the nation’s GDP. India has demonstrated a strong focus on innovation, possibilities, and inclusive growth in its telecom journey from, 5G adoption to technological breakthroughs. The 5G spectrum was successfully auctioned off by India, creating the foundation for next-generation connectivity while providing numerous opportunities for businesses and consumers. With the introduction of 5G services—which are among the fastest in the world—a new age of high-speed, low-latency communication has arrived. MediaTek foresees that new-age technologies such as 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (both Generative AI and Cloud AI), AR/VR, advancements in 5G, 6G, and edge computing will drive the next wave of technological advancements.
Furthermore, The National Digital Communications Policy of 2018, the PLI scheme, the Bharatnet project, and other government programs/ initiatives have contributed significantly to the growth of domestic manufacturing, the expansion of digital infrastructure, and the closing of the digital gap between urban and rural areas. The commitment to empowerment and connectivity ensures the democratization of technology, even in the most remote corners of the nation.“- stated Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India
“For India to be among the top three economies of the world, broadband penetration needs to increase from about 13% to 80%. This requires connecting over 20 crore households with broadband services, which sets the ground for large-scale deployment of fibre, mobile towers, etc. GIS will be a crucial technology here, enabling stakeholders to achieve unmatched precision and cost and time efficiency in the projects. Using GIS-powered digital twins, broadband planning, execution, and network management will be more efficient and cost-effective. GIS will make broadband deployment a much easier task due to a lot of data that is now available for rural areas. Digital twins can also facilitate signal propagation modeling, guiding maintenance, and upgrades for stronger coverage. Expansion in broadband infrastructure, coupled with accompanying amenities like digital literacy programs, online educational resources, job search platforms, and healthcare facilities, will lead to diminished inequalities and greater development. We, at Esri India are continuously working with government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and authoritative data producers to advance various sustainable development efforts in the country. Our contributions to the broadband growth story would be another step towards building a more resilient nation.”- stated Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India
“World Telecommunication & Information Society Day is celebrated every year to mark the incredible contribution of telecom in building digital networks and economy, however, as the digital landscape is growingly becoming all-pervasive, now the telecom industry needs to validate its sustainability efforts. It’s estimated that digital technologies can help achieve 70% of targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. On our part, Nokia globally has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. We are actively participating in many standardization forums to develop standards for energy-efficient telecommunications networks. circular telecommunications products, responsible use of AI, etc. On the manufacturing front, our Chennai factory in India fulfils 80% of its energy requirement with green energy and aims to achieve 100% green energy use by 2025. With the fastest rollout of 5G, India is on the cusp of a digital revolution with its pioneering initiatives in the adoption of AI and also taking the right steps in establishing its 6G leadership. Nokia remains committed to working with all its stakeholders as India readies to steer global digital innovation and leadership.” – stated Tarun Chhabra, Country Manager, Nokia India
“With India making significant strides in the telecom sector over the decade, it is imperative to take note of how the health of the industry have improved in the recent years. From fastest 5G rollout to the new Telecommunications Act being introduced recently, the momentum seems to be in line with the ‘Digital India’ vision. India has one of the highest data consumptions in the world which has been growing at 20 percent year on year. Over 82% Indians can access telecommunication services in the country and with 5G networks, telecom has helped connecting the farthest corner of the countries with high-speed internet. At Comviva, we believe in harnessing the power of technology to create a more inclusive, connected world. As we advance in our journey, we remain committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive sustainable growth, bridge the digital divide, and enhance the quality of life for communities worldwide through our focus on customer experience and data monetization solutions.”- stated Deshbandhu Bansal, Chief Operating Officer – Messaging Solutions, Comviva
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“On this World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Beetel reaffirms its commitment to providing smart, sustainable telecommunication solutions across India and around the globe. For over three decades, we have led the way in meeting India’s evolving communication needs for households and businesses. Through our high-quality, eco-friendly products and services, we have touched the lives of over 40 million customers in 300+ cities.
We are proud to be a preferred partner for some of the largest telecom solution providers in India and globally empowering people and businesses with cost-effective, advanced, and sustainable connectivity solutions. With a vision to constantly enhance lives through innovative communication solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities while prioritizing eco-friendliness, we are dedicated to contributing to India’s remarkable growth story in telecommunications.” – stated Mr. Sanjeev Chhabra, Managing Director & CEO, Beetel Teletech Ltd
“Businesses worldwide have placed a priority in seamless communications and customer experience. As companies prioritize communication, the onus falls ICT companies like Ishan to continually redefine service benchmarks. Today, businesses seek integrated solutions, converging telecom, cybersecurity, and system integration services under one roof. This integrated approach enhances efficiency and security for businesses across India. World Telecommunications Day serves as a reminder of this transformative journey. From traditional landlines to cutting-edge 5G and 6G technology, telecommunications has propelled us into a hyper-connected era. India’s rapid strides in telecom, epitomized by the fastest 5G rollout globally and initiatives like Bharatnet, shows our commitment to digital inclusivity and growth. Yet, amidst these advancements, challenges persist. Infrastructure upgrades, rural connectivity, and boosting public-private partnerships remain imperative for sustained progress and uplift enterprises across sectors.
At Ishan Technologies, our focus remains steadfast on adding value to the nation’s digital landscape. We’re committed to bridging connectivity gaps through initiatives like last-mile connectivity projects, ensuring that even remote areas have access to reliable telecommunications services. Additionally, our focus on expanding our data centers across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities showcase our dedication to democratizing access to digital infrastructure, catalysing economic growth in underserved regions. Furthermore, our commitment to innovation drives us to harness cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance telecom services. Leveraging AI, we’re exploring new use cases that optimize network performance, personalize customer experiences, and streamline operational efficiencies. By embracing advancements in telecom technology, we aim to empower businesses and communities to thrive in the digital era.”- remarked by Mr. Pinkesh Kotecha, Chairman and Managing Director of Ishan Technologies
“In a nation teeming with diversity, connectivity becomes the lifeline that unites us all. From remote villages to bustling cities, every call made and every byte shared paves the way for a more connected and empowered India. On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let’s honor India’s journey towards digital inclusion and celebrate the transformative power of technology in shaping our society and driving progress for all. The upcoming spectrum auctions of over USD 12 billion and roll out of Satcom is reflective of the huge potential in the Indian market.” – remarked by Peeyush Vaish, Partner and TMT Industry Leader, Deloitte South Asia.
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