Sayed Habib, New Delhi
In a world rapidly pivoting towards digital-first living, India is making a resounding statement: connectivity must not only be universal, but meaningful. Marking World Telecom and Information Society Day (WTISD), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) hosted a high-level seminar in New Delhi on the theme of “Universal and Meaningful Connectivity” (UMC) — an idea gaining global traction as the cornerstone of inclusive digital development.
The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who underlined India’s ambitious stride toward bridging the digital divide and unlocking socio-economic opportunities for all citizens.
"Telecom today is not just a service — it is the digital highway on which India’s future rides,” said the Minister, drawing attention to how UMC can redefine the nation’s digital landscape.
Six Pillars of Digital Empowerment
Minister Scindia identified six foundational pillars driving UMC in India:
Affordability
Availability
Access
Quality of Service (QoS)
Online Safety & Security
Technology
He emphasized that these dimensions together ensure that digital access is not limited to mere connectivity but extends to empowerment, participation, and protection in the digital world.
Special focus was given to satellite-based telecommunications, which are being positioned as critical enablers for reaching India's most remote and underserved regions — a move expected to complement traditional terrestrial networks and strengthen the national digital backbone.
TRAI: The Architect of India's Digital Ascent
Welcoming the participants, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted TRAI's sustained leadership in transforming the telecom sector. From liberal reforms to consumer-friendly policies, he noted that TRAI has actively promoted:
Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
Robust consumer protection
Efficient service delivery
“TRAI's vision has always gone beyond infrastructure — it is about creating a digitally inclusive society where access meets purpose,” Lahoti said.
Global Voices, Regional Innovation
Thought leaders including Deepak Mishra (ICRIER) and Pranita Upadhaya (ITU South Asia) brought in global perspectives, addressing cutting-edge topics such as:
The Top 10 nations leading in AI
The CHIPS-IN framework for semiconductor innovation
The role of data-driven decision-making
And the strategic use of ITU innovation tools
The speakers also emphasized the growing impact of South Asia Innovation Centres, which are acting as hubs for collaborative tech advancement, policy experimentation, and capacity building across the region.
Cross-Sector Dialogue for a Common Goal
The seminar drew participation from across the telecom, ICT, and broadcasting sectors, including senior policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts. Sessions included open discussions on regulatory innovation, public-private collaboration, and future-readiness of telecom infrastructure.
The collective message from the event was clear: achieving Universal and Meaningful Connectivity is no longer a luxury — it is a democratic necessity and an economic imperative. With government, industry, and international partners aligning towards this goal, India is not just keeping pace with the digital world — it is shaping its future.
