Ensure timely rollout of 5G, PM tells telecom players; Make India hub of equipment manufacturing

New Delhi, (the states. news) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked the telecom industry to ensure a timely roll-out of 5G networks and services to leapfrog into the future and empower millions of people in the country.

Saying that the digital potential of India is unparalleled, PM  Modi said that his government aimed to bring in high-speed fibre-optic connectivity in every village over the next three years.

Towards this end, focus is made exclusively on places which can make the best out of such connectivity – Aspirational Districts, Left wing extremism affected districts, North Eastern states, Lakshadweep Islands etc.

“It is because of mobile technology that we are able to provide benefits worth billions of dollars to millions and millions. It is because of mobile technology that we are able to help poor and vulnerable quickly during the pandemic.

It ls also with the help of mobile technology that we will embark on one of the world’s largest covid-19 vaccination drive,” said the Prime Minister, addressing the Indian Mobile Congress through video conferencing.
The Prime Minister said it is important to think and plan how to improve lives with the upcoming technology revolution.

He added that better healthcare, better education, better information and opportunities for farmers, better market access for small businesses are some of the goals that can be worked on.

Mr Modi said that greater spread of fixed line broadband connectivity and public Wi-Fi hotspots will be ensured.
The PM also asked the sectoral players to work together to make India a global hub for telecom equipment, design, development and manufacturing, taking advantage of the recently announced production linked incentive scheme.
But he cautioned that due to technological upgradation, there is a culture of replacing handsets and gadgets frequently.

Therefore, he asked the delegates to ponder whether the industry can form a task-force to think of a better way of handling the electronic waste and create a circular economy.
The India Mobile Congress 2020 aims to align to the prime minister’s vision to promote AatmaNirbhar Bharat, Digital Inclusivity, and Sustainable development, entrepreneurship & innovation.
It also aims to drive foreign and local investments, encourage R&D in the telecom and emerging technology sectors. (uni) (media saheb.com)