India Is Currently The Most Connected Nation In The World: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Speaking at the India Internet Governance Forum 2022 recently, Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics & IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that with over 800 Mn broadband users, India is the largest connected nation in the world.

Reiterating his confidence in the growing internet penetration in the country, Chandrasekhar said that 5G and the largest rural broadband connectivity network project at BharatNet will soon embrace 1.2 Bn Indian users. 

According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recent data, total broadband subscribers in the country grew to 816.24 Mn by the end of September this year from 813.94 Mn in August. The number stood at 794.88 Mn by September 30, 2021.

During his speech, Chandrasekhar highlighted the need for further technological innovations and updated regulatory policies to remain relevant. The deep involvement by all stakeholders will play a crucial role in boosting the Indian internet and the economy, he added.

It is pertinent to note that the Indian government has recently taken several measures to tighten regulations around broadband and telecom services with its growing architecture. In September, the government released the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, with several new changes introduced.

In the bill, the government has proposed extending the scope of the term telecommunication services to include OTT services, satellite-based communication services, internet-based communication services, interpersonal communications services, and more.

The centre’s decision to include OTT communication services in the broader telecommunication services has raised concerns among industry experts and stakeholders. As per the latest development on the matter, TRAI is soon set to publish a consultation paper to create a regulatory framework for OTT apps. The telecom watchdog is deciding on whether to address OTT broadcasting and communication players separately.

However, as the regulatory changes are on, India officially launched 5G network services in October. In just two months since the launch, telecom operators have expanded 5G services to 50 Indian towns, Union Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Parliament last week.

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