The Future of Telecom in India and the World
Chennai, 09th September 2020 | The Peninsula Foundation (TPF) organized an Online Panel Discussion on the topic “The Future of Telecom in India and the World.” Our esteemed panelists were Dr. KT John, Former Senior ICT Advisor, Design Authority for the State, Dept of Justice, Victoria, Australia, Mr. Mayank Mittal, CEO, Genesis Technology Services Ltd, UK and Dr. Shuktij Singh Rao, Chief of Infrastructure, Tata Power- SED. In Chair was Air Marshal M Matheswaran (Retd.), Founder-President, TPF.
The introductory remark rendered by Air Marshal M Matheswaran (Retd), focused on the critical role of the Telecom industries in the domain of public services in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The discussion progressed with presentations and initial comments from Dr. K.T John and Mayank Mittal moderated by Dr. Shuktij Singh Rao.
Dr. K.T John covered the evolution of the Telecom sector and traced its path to the present 5G technology. He stressed the need for effective use of privatization of incumbent telecoms and Universal Service Obligation (USO) and insisted that every citizen must be ensured the access to communication which he/she rightfully deserves.
Mr. Mayank Mittal went on to share his expert hands-on opinion on the issues concerning the Telecom industry. He insisted that the 5G network is not a mere up-gradation of the 4G network and that the telecom industry could see new IT companies coming into the fray, giving stiff competition to the current OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer). He also shed light on the politico-economic issues over 5G and advised that policies should be focused on data security and prevention of pilferage.
Dr. Shuktij Singh Rao also shared his expert opinion while moderating. He asserted that the 5G platform will be key in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence. He further predicted that the world could witness a boom in the number of smaller private standalone networks.
The questions following the discussion covered a large range of topics from monopolization, the impact of Covid-19, the USOs and ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’. The discussion was concluded by asserting the fact that the emerging 5G competition is a geopolitical contest and that the 5G network will be a critical component in the emerging Space Race and in the future of Artificial Intelligence.