Telecom Sector Backbone of Digital Revolution

Kapurthala, May 17, 2023: Pushpa Gujral Science City celebrated World Telecommunication Day by organizing a talk on “ Hello Future: Unveiling the Wonders of Telecommunication”. The theme of this year's celebration was "Empowering the Least Developed Countries through Information and Communication Technologies," highlighting the importance of global connectivity, technological advancements, and digital transformation for sustainable development.

Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Science City, in his address, stressed  the importance of World Telecommunication Day in raising awareness about the vast potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to drive societal progress and bridge the digital divide. He mentioned that India has become the world's second-largest telecommunications market with over 1.17 billion subscribers, and has experienced impressive growth in recent years. Dr. Grover emphasized the rapid evolution of mobile networks and the urgent need for faster data transfer speeds and secure networks to meet the demands of the ever-changing digital landscape. Further, access to technology alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by digital literacy. PGSC is actively involved in initiatives that promote digital skills development to empower individuals especially women and elderly to navigate the digital landscape effectively, he added.

Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Arun Khosla, Head, Centre for Artificial Intelligence at NIT Jalandhar said that the day aimed to educate and inspire the youth about the telecommunications industry and its impact on daily life. Dr. Khosla discussed the historical evolution of communication and the advancements in technology that have shaped the modern era. He stressed the importance of STEM fields and encouraged students to explore the vast opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecommunications industry. He also highlighted the crucial role played by the telecom sector as the backbone of digital technology. Further, affordable tariffs, increased availability, expanding 4G and 5G coverage, changing subscriber consumption patterns, and supportive regulatory environments have contributed to the sector's exponential growth. The future growth of the telecom industry will be driven by advancements in 5G and 6G technologies, which will enhance communication, connectivity, and overall efficiency, he added.

The event saw participation of approximately 250 collegiate students from across Punjab.