Time To Restore Telecom Industry's Health

Telcos can support the Digital India dream only if they are financially viable. Will the government take some quick long-term measures?

- Aanchal Ghatak

To achieve the objective of providing broadband connectivity for all, the telecom service providers first need to put their own house in order while the government needs to ensure that the industry remains in the pink of health. Highlighting this at the strategy session on Supporting the Digital India dream: How ready is the telecom sector at the Voice&Data 20th Telecom Leadership Forum, Akhil Gupta, Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises said that the telecom sector is the most critical industry in the new digital era and everybody associated with the industry should be very proud of it.

“What we are doing is vital and critical for the survival of mankind today. There is nothing more credible and creative than having great telecom networks. Ultimately, broadband for everybody has to be the goal. The digital communications policy provides that,” he said, adding that the industry needs to talk about 5G and taking broadband to everybody’s door step or device.

“That can happen only with wireless. The financial health of the industry has to be absolutely top priority of the government, and those concerned, including, the regulator and DoT. This has to be the focus. Unfortunately, we are looking at other enablers. Lot of time is spent on that.”