The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) celebrated World Telecom and Information Society Day (WTISD) today at its headquarters in New Delhi. This year’s celebration focused on the globally relevant theme “Universal and Meaningful Connectivity” (UMC) aligning with TRAI’s mission to ensure inclusive, equitable, and sustainable access to communication services for all.
UMC, refers to not just providing access to communication networks, but ensuring that such access is available, accessible, relevant, and affordable, enabling individuals and communities to fully participate in the digital economy and society.
The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. In his address, the Minister of Communications (MoC) emphasized the critical importance of UMC in bridging the digital divide and fostering socio-economic development across the country.
The Hon’ble Minister highlighted that the world of technology has become deeply interwoven with the world of telecommunications, where telecom serves as the digital highway powering the nation’s digital transformation.
He acknowledged the seminal role of TRAI as a guiding force and navigator in steering the telecom revolution forward. In his address, the Minister emphasized six key pillars of UMC that have positioned India as a global leader in the digital space viz affordability, availability, access, quality of service (QoS), online safety and security, and technology.
He further stated that satellite-based telecommunications are emerging as a significant part of India's connectivity ecosystem, especially for reaching remote and underserved regions. These advancements are expected to complement terrestrial networks and play a vital role in realizing the vision of universal connectivity.
Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI, delivered the Welcome Address. He highlighted the critical role TRAI has played in shaping the telecom sector, especially in the pursuit of Universal and Meaningful Connectivity.
He recalled TRAI’s path-breaking interventions and reforms which have transformed the telecom landscape of the country, enabling rapid development and increase of coverage. He elaborated how TRAI’s initiatives have consistently focused on enhancing Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), improving the efficiency of telecom service delivery, and ensuring robust consumer protection mechanisms.
The two eminent speakers Shri Deepak Mishra, Director and Chief Executive of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), and Ms. Pranita Upadhaya, Head of the ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre for South Asia in their addresses, covered key global developments including the Top 10 countries leading in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the three-tier CHIPS-IN framework, the growing importance of data-driven decision-making, and the strategic role of ITU tools in accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship.
The presence and growing impact of South Asia Innovation Centres, which are playing a pivotal role in fostering technological collaboration, policy innovation, and capacity building across the region was also covered.
The gathering was attended by senior officials, stakeholders, and representatives from the telecom, ICT and broadcasting industry, who engaged in discussions around policies, innovations, and collaborative efforts needed to realize the vision of UMC in India.