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NEW DELHI: The latest fifth generation (5G<\/a>)-led field trials by telecom service providers demonstrates the sector's readiness to embrace next generation technology, and the existence of massive opportunities in the country, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan<\/a> said.
\"Recent 5G technology trials by telecom service providers with global and indigenous technology with India specific applications have demonstrated the readiness of the sector and also the great opportunities that exist in India,\" the minister said, adding that the telecom department through its policies, has been encouraging indigenous development of 5G technology and results were quite exciting.
Chauhan was speaking at the second edition of the ETTelecom Digital Telco Virtual Summit - 2021.
\"It is expected that by the third quarter of next year, we will have indigenously designed, developed and manufactured 5G mobile network. We are not resting with our present success. We have also set up a task force for the development of 6G technology in the country,\" Chauhan said.
Further, he said that the Indian telecom companies have successfully tested 4G mobile communication network elements, and state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited<\/a> (BSNL) would soon deploy indigenously-designed and manufactured 4G mobile networks.
In this (pandemic) time of crisis, Chauhan said that the telecom sector geared up itself well to meet the challenge, and has not only been up to the task but has been performing better than ever.
\"The usage of telecom networks has grown since the pandemic. It has assumed a greater role in the development of the nation sociologically as well as economically. Its contribution in growth of GDP has risen,\" he added.
The government, according to him, has launched a slew of reforms and initiatives which would take the sector to a new level, and eventually propel the digital economy to $1 trillion, which in turn would fuel the $5 trillion Indian economy.
The government has taken several policies initiatives, which will catapult entire telecom industry into a next higher orbit, he said, adding that the government has recently come up with several structural and procedural reforms, which have enthused a new vigor in the industry and have created an environment for unleashing their true potential.
\"I can also assure you that this is not a one-off exercise, the Modi government will continue to chart the path of reforms in the sector,\" Chauhan added.
In September, the Centre came up with a range of initiatives that included nine structural and five procedural reforms to bring in relief for the telecom service operators.
In order to encourage the investment, 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under automatic route permitted in the telecom sector with safeguards, and a long-pending demand of rationalization of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) to do away with non-telecom revenue, has been accepted.
Chauhan said that the growth of telecom networks since 2014 has been unprecedented.