TRAI Celebrates World Telecom and Information Society Day 2025, Reaffirms Commitment to Universal and Meaningful Connectivity

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today commemorated World Telecom and Information Society Day (WTISD) at its headquarters in New Delhi, focusing on the globally relevant theme “Universal and Meaningful Connectivity” (UMC). The event reflected TRAI’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every citizen has access to affordable, accessible, relevant, and reliable communication services that empower full participation in the digital society.

The celebration was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. In his address, the Minister emphasized the pivotal role of UMC in bridging the digital divide and advancing socio-economic development across the country. He underscored that the world of technology is now deeply intertwined with telecommunications, which serve as the digital highway driving India’s digital transformation. Scindia lauded TRAI’s pivotal role as a guiding force in steering the telecom sector’s growth and innovation.

Highlighting six critical pillars of UMC—affordability, availability, access, quality of service, online safety and security, and technology—the Minister said these components have collectively positioned India as a global leader in the digital space. He pointed out that satellite-based telecommunications are rapidly emerging as a key enabler of connectivity in remote and underserved regions, and will serve as a complement to terrestrial networks, reinforcing the government’s vision of universal digital access.

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, in his welcome address, reflected on TRAI’s transformative role in reshaping India’s telecom ecosystem. He spoke about the authority’s path-breaking reforms that have expanded coverage, enhanced consumer protection, and improved the ease of doing business in the sector. He emphasized TRAI’s commitment to building an inclusive regulatory environment that fosters innovation, accountability, and sustainability.

The event also featured keynote addresses by eminent speakers including Deepak Mishra, Director and Chief Executive of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), and Pranita Upadhaya, Head of the ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre for South Asia. Mishra highlighted global trends in artificial intelligence and data-driven policymaking, while Upadhaya spoke about international initiatives such as the CHIPS-IN framework and the strategic role of innovation centres in promoting regional cooperation and technological advancement.

The celebration was attended by senior officials, telecom industry leaders, ICT experts, and representatives from the broadcasting sector. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on regulatory strategies, collaborative innovation, and digital infrastructure development necessary to realize the full potential of universal and meaningful connectivity.