India Hosts 25th SATRC Meeting in New Delhi, Advocates for Digital Inclusivity and Regional Cooperation

New Delhi: The Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the 25th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25) in New Delhi today, emphasizing the platform’s potential as a hub for collaboration and policy innovation in the digital age. “As India emerges as the Voice of the Global South, SATRC-25 will serve as an excellent platform for knowledge-sharing and a confluence of innovative perspectives on emerging policy and regulatory challenges,” Scindia remarked, urging regulators to shape a “secure, safe, and standard-driven future.”

The event, hosted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), saw participation from high-profile delegates, including regulatory heads from SATRC member nations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Key dignitaries present included Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development; Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of APT; Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission; and Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI.

In his keynote, Scindia highlighted India’s rise as a leader in digital infrastructure, noting the nation’s strides in broadband expansion and regulatory advancements. “With 1.2 billion telephones and 970 million internet subscribers, India stands as a digital powerhouse,” he said, underlining the digital economy’s rapid expansion to 10% of the overall economy—a substantial increase from 3.5% just a decade ago. He projected further growth, anticipating the digital sector would reach 20% of India’s economy by 2026-27. Scindia called on SATRC countries to work together to enhance digital inclusivity, build sustainable networks, and prioritize consumer protection, envisioning a united South Asia advancing toward a “connected, resilient, and sustainable future.”

Addressing new technological horizons, Scindia highlighted Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) as a significant opportunity to extend connectivity to remote areas. “The evolution of NTNs will open new possibilities, fostering innovation across various sectors and advancing us towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs),” he stated.

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, in his address, highlighted the transformative power of telecommunications, emphasizing India’s dedication to digital progress across South Asia. He underscored the importance of balanced regulatory policies that encourage innovation while safeguarding consumer interests.

Opening the session, Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of APT, reiterated APT’s mission to foster a sustainable digital ecosystem across Asia, stressing the need for harmonized policies that support economic growth. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI, also addressed the assembly, advocating cross-border partnerships to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable digital access.

Reflecting on SATRC’s accomplishments, Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, praised the Council’s progress over the past two decades and looked forward to continued cooperation to drive digital transformation and improve citizens’ lives.

The three-day SATRC-25 meeting, scheduled from 11th to 13th November 2024, will convene experts, industry representatives, and delegates from across South Asia to discuss key issues in telecommunication regulations, including radio frequency coordination, development strategies, regulatory trends, and international telecom policy challenges.