The Indian telecommunications network is the second largest in the world, he said

Speaking on the success story of the expansion of the telecom sector in India, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan on Monday said the 5G spectrum auction's success reflects the confidence and sentiments of the Indian telecom industry.

"Today, Indian telecommunications network, is the second largest in the world, with the most cost-effective rates. This growth has been spurred, by the market-friendly policies of the Modi Government," he said, at the Regional Standardization Forum (RSF) for Asia and Oceania's inaugural event.

Chauhan further stated that India's telecommunications policy, advanced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, is based on three pillars: "Ease of Doing Business" for the industry; "Ease of Living" for all citizens, including those living in rural and remote areas; and "Atma Nirbhar Bharat"—that is, Self-Reliant India.

The Regional Standardization Forum (RSF) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for Asia and Oceania is being hosted by the Ministry of Communication as part of the festivities commemorating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Chauhan today officiated at the opening of a United Nations (UN) agency event with attendees from about 20 nations in the Asia-Oceania area.

The "Regulatory and Policy Aspects of Telecommunications and ICTs" is the topic of the Regional Standardization Forum (RSF). It will be followed by a four-day conference of the Asia and Oceania ITU-T Study Group 3 Regional Group (SG3RG-AO) from August 9 to August 12, 2022.

When discussing the optimistic and forward-looking environment created by telecom reforms in India, Minister of State Chauhan stated that these reforms have been able to "promote healthy competition, protect the interests of consumers, infuse liquidity, encourage investment, and reduce the regulatory burden on TSPs."

The Minister stated that PM Modi has outlined a clear roadmap to address the digital divide, which includes extending cutting-edge telecom facilities to every member of society and aligning with the "Antyodaya" philosophy. This roadmap includes bringing optical fibres to every one of the nation's 6 lakh villages and providing all of these communities with 4G mobile communications.

He also said that by 2025, all 600,000 villages would have access to optical fibre and mobile communications thanks to a multi-billion-dollar, comprehensive plan that has been developed. Around 1,75,000 villages now have optical fibre, while 5,60,000 villages have 4G mobile services.

Concerning the country's 5G deployment, he stated that the government of India is pushing for sophisticated telecom technology that is planned, developed, and produced in-country.

The ITU, he added, has been playing a unifying role in fostering strategic collaboration and understanding across all stakeholders, and this role has been highlighted in maintaining and advancing the fast-changing telecom/ICT landscape.

He continued by saying that India shares the ITU's commitment to connecting the disconnected and defending and advancing everyone's right to communicate. He continued by saying that India will keep expanding and deepening its contribution to achieving the ITU's goals.