Curtain Raiser for WTSA 2024 and Related Events

1. Curtain Raiser for WTSA 2024 and Related Events:

• 

  Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology unveiling the Policy on Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox

  India is hosting the prestigious international conferences – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 2024) from 15-24 Oct, 2024 preceded by Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024) on 14 Oct 2024 at New Delhi.

• The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conducts the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) once in four (4) years to plan its standardization programme for the next 4 years.
• They play a crucial role in shaping the global agenda for standardization of telecom and information and communication technologies (ICTs).
• India’s participation is crucial for shaping global agendas in emerging technologies such as 6G, IoT, SatCom, Quantum and AI.
• The WTSA 2024, will be accompanied by other related initiatives such as the ITU Kaleidoscope conference (21-23 Oct 2024), ITU exhibitions (14-24 Oct 2024), Network of Women (17 Oct 2024) and AI for Good (18 Oct 2024) to enrich the discourse and promote inclusivity in the sector.
• Additionally, a Hackathon prior to the event will further provide a platform to developers to showcase different solutions.
• Expected participation: over 2,000 technology developers, industry leaders, academicians, policymakers from 193 member countries, and 900+ ITU associate/sector members.

2. Curtain Raiser for India Mobile Congress 2024:

• The eighth edition of Asia’s premier digital technology exhibition, India Mobile Congress (IMC), co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) will be held from 15th October at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi this year.
• It will be held concurrently with WTSA 2024
• Asia’s largest technology forum, India Mobile Congress has become a well-known platform across the globe for showcasing innovative solutions, services and state-of-the-art use cases for industry, government, academics, startups and other key stakeholders in the technology ecosystem
• This year’s event will put a major focus on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum technology and Circular Economy along with spotlight on 6G, 5G use-case showcase, cloud & edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom and electronics manufacturing.
• The prestigious IMC 2024 and ITU Conferences are expected to witness around 8,000 plus CXOs and industry delegates, 150,000 plus attendees, 350+ exhibitors, 400+ speakers, 80+ sessions.
• Aspire, the flagship start-up program introduced in the last edition, would be even bigger this year. The initiative drew participation from 402 startups from a wide range of industries, 40 angel investors, and 50 VC funds, facilitating 250 1-on-1 investor meetings and resulting in 2 startups receiving funding through the IMC platform.
• This year as well, Aspire is committed to fostering connections between startups, investors, and established businesses with an aim to catalyze fresh entrepreneurial initiatives and collaborations.

3. Telecom Reforms:

Guidelines for Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox and Wireless Test Zones introduced.

• 

  Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, addressing the IMC 2024 and ITU WTSA Curtain Raiser

  Guidelines introduced for Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox (SRS) and Wireless Test Zones (WiTe Zones) by WPC Wing, DOT.

• Aim: Enhance ease of doing business and promote “Make in India” in wireless products.
• Purpose: Development of technology for utilization and improving efficiency of greenfield Spectrum Bands.
• WiTe Zones categorized into two: allow experimentation in unassigned and assigned spectrum bands.
• Application process simplified: Applicants can easily apply through Saral Sanchar portal.
• Facilitates access to research and development opportunities.

Abolished requirement for Wireless Operating License (WoL) simplifying licensing process.

• November 2016: Abolishment of Wireless Operating License (WoL) requirement for Access Services authorization in CMTS/UAS/Unified License.
• Effective 15.11.2022: Requirement for WoL for VSATs under Commercial VSAT CUG license abolished.
• Telecom reforms continue: Now, WOL requirement for licensees under section 4 of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 abolished.
• No separate WoL needed for establishing, maintaining, or working of telecommunication including radio equipment.
• Removal of WoL requirement simplifies licensing process, saves time for telecom service providers.
• Aligns with Department of Telecom’s initiatives to drive innovation and improve ease of doing business.

4. MoU with Ericsson to build a skilled workforce in emerging technologies:

• DoT has collaborated with Ericsson for the “Ericsson Educate” program, designed to enhance digital skills for students in these universities.
• The curriculum, tailored for telecommunication subjects, supplements technical studies with practical knowledge using these labs, crucial for the telecom sector.
• The collaboration aims to strengthen capacity building and skill development in the 100 5G use case labs, enabling institutes to mentor students and faculties in creating innovative 5G products and use cases.
• The program is exclusively tailored for these 5G use case labs and includes a three-month accredited course by Ericsson offering learning materials on key technologies such as Automation, Telecommunications, AI, IoT, 5G, and Machine Learning.
• It is planned for training around 10000 students in the next two years.