TRAI Releases Consultation
Paper on “Digital Inclusion in the Era of Emerging Technologies”
Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper (CP) on “Digital
Inclusion in the Era of Emerging Technologies” on 14th Sept 2023. The consultation
paper aims to explore and address the challenges and opportunities presented by
the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, with a focus on ensuring inclusivity
for all segments of society and industries particularly Micro Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs).
In
today’s world, being connected online has become a way of life. Connectivity works
as an essential tool for everyday functions such as accessing information, receiving
basic services, working remotely, pursuing education, conducting financial transactions,
and staying connected with loved ones. TRAI recognizes that digital inclusion is
crucial empowerment of every citizen of the country at right moment, failing which
the gaps in access of digital services may widen further
and thereby depriving large segments of the society from an inclusive growth along
with others who are well connected and availing the benefits of the digital services.
In the consultation paper, TRAI emphasizes the need for a robust policy framework
and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure participation of individuals
in digital economic activities.
India
has made remarkable progress in digital transformation, emerging as the world’s
second-largest telecom market in terms of subscribers. The country has experienced
significant growth in mobile broadband subscriptions and internet usage, along with
a substantial reduction in data costs. The government’s initiatives such as Digital
India, National Digital Communications Policy 2018, National Broadband Mission 2019,
BharatNet, Common Service Centres (CSCs), and Universal
Service Obligation Fund (USOF) have played a pivotal role in expanding connectivity
and promoting digital inclusion across the nation.
The
success story of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for an inclusive financial
society has been well acknowledged across the world. The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile
(JAM) trinity has played a pivotal role in transparent direct benefit transfers
of welfare subsidies to bank accounts of the underserved. UPI has empowered users
to conveniently transfer money from one bank account to another in real-time. Despite
these achievements, it is observed that disparities in internet broadband penetration
and its effective usage across different sections of society and geographies still
persist. There are concerns related to accessibility, affordability and effective
& safe usage of the services and applications working on broadband connections,
specially by the persons with marginalised communities, woman & girls and participation
of micro or small entrepreneurs operating at remote and difficult terrains or in
villages, which need to be addressed in a timebound manner.
In
the consultation paper, TRAI has analysed various gaps in digital inclusion present
in the country such as the mobile internet usage gap, rural-urban internet penetration
disparities, gender gaps in internet access, etc. as well as gaps identified from
some global indices. Proactively prioritizing inclusion can create an ecosystem
that benefits every individual, fostering a more equitable and accessible digital
economy.
The
rapid pace of technological advancements and launch of 5G enabled services including
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning based services and the associated costs
of adopting and utilizing these technologies can widen the digital divide further,
particularly for marginalized communities and underserved regions. Unequal access
of infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and affordability issues could hinder
the equitable distribution and utilization of emerging technologies, exacerbating
existing disparities in digital inclusion. To ensure comprehensive digital inclusion,
it is imperative to address the gaps which are likely to arise due to emerging technologies.
The
TRAI has also identified various challenges being faced by Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) sector in the country from the adoption of new and emerging digital
technology solutions. As MSME sector contributes significantly towards the nation’s
economy, it is imperative that the MSMEs are empowered to contribute more towards
the digital economy through new emerging technology solutions, especially the micro-enterprises
as majority of the MSMEs are micro-enterprises.
The
Consultation Paper, for seeking inputs from the stakeholders, has been placed on
TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in). Written comments on the issues for consultation
are invited from the stakeholders by 16 October 2023 and counter comments by 31
October 2023.
The
comments and counter-comments may be sent, preferably in the electronic form on
email: advisorit[at]trai[dot]gov[dot]in,
with a copy to Ja-cadiv[at]trai[dot]gov[dot]in.
For any clarification/ information, Shri Anand Kumar Singh, Advisor (CA&IT)
may be contacted at Tel. No. +91-11- 23210990.