India has solidified its position as a digital powerhouse, with 1.2 billion telephones and 970 million internet subscribers. Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the 25th meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25) in New Delhi, highlighting the nation’s rapid digital evolution and leadership in the sector. In his keynote address, Scindia emphasized the importance of secure, standardized policy frameworks for the future of telecommunications, as India’s digital economy grows to 10% of the nation’s GDP—up from just 3.5% a decade ago.
The SATRC-25 event saw participation from high-ranking representatives of telecommunication regulatory bodies from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Distinguished guests included Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development; Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT); Major General (Retd) Mohammad Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission; Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI; and Atul Kumar Choudhary, Secretary of TRAI.
Scindia underscored India’s leadership in digital infrastructure, showcasing its commitment to expanding broadband access, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem. “As our digital economy flourishes at a pace 2.8 times faster than the national economy, we anticipate it will reach an astounding 20% by 2026-27,” he stated. The minister called on SATRC member nations to join forces on key issues like digital inclusivity, sustainable network infrastructure, and consumer protection, envisioning a unified South Asia that thrives through mutual collaboration.
He also highlighted the transformative potential of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), which could revolutionize telecom coverage in remote areas, fostering new opportunities across various sectors and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Dr. Chandra Sekhar emphasized the empowering role of telecommunications in transforming lives and communities, while Masanori Kondo of APT reiterated the importance of regional cooperation to establish harmonized policies that drive economic growth and ensure a sustainable digital ecosystem. Anil Kumar Lahoti of TRAI welcomed the summit, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships and ensuring equitable access to digital resources.
Major General (Retd) Mohammad Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of SATRC and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, reflected on SATRC’s two decades of progress and expressed optimism for the future of regional cooperation in the face of rapid digital transformation.
The SATRC-25 summit, hosted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and organized by APT, brings together global experts, international delegates, and industry leaders to tackle pressing issues in telecommunication regulations and policy challenges. The three-day event, running from November 11-13, focuses on topics like radio frequency coordination, telecommunication development strategies, regulatory trends, and international telecommunication affairs.
