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The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Seven years on, govt puts out new telecom policy draft
The government will soon publish a new National Telecom Policy, seven years after the last one was put out. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Thursday published the draft text for comment, with a vision statement emphasizing a 'telecom product nation that is driven by innovation and that universally connects its citizens meaningfully, securely and sustainably.' The terminology is back to 'telecom' from 2018's National Digital Communications Policy, with a sector-specific focus on increasing connectivity, modernising the domestic telecom supply chain, and adding 10 lakh jobs in the industry (a fourth of the NDCP's 4 million target in the broader digital communications sector), while 'upskilling' a similar number of existing workers. The policy also emphasises on reducing the sector's carbon footprint (by 30%) and improving the cybersecurity of telecom firms. On 'universal and meaningful' connectivity, the government has set a target of covering 90% of the population with 5G by 2030, and 100% with 4G. Towers that are connected by fiber to telecom networks (as opposed to wireless links to other towers with physical links, which reduces speeds and reliability), are sought to be increased from 46% to 80%. 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots are targeted to be set up (a tenth of the 2018 policy's target), and encouraging satellite internet where needed. The document also proposes a boost to local research and development (R&D) efforts in telecom, and increased Indian participation in global standardisation discussions, particularly of 6G, including by possibly recognising such activities as a Corporate Social Responsibility activity. Domestic manufacturing should increase 150% by 2030, the document says, with 'a Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) with integrated infrastructure for enabling telecom and network equipment design and manufacturing ecosystem'. The draft encourages the use and development of AI specifically for cyberspace, such as in cybersecurity, where AI is touted as both a challenge in offensive terms (such as through generative AI-fueled bots attacking telecom networks), and in defensive strategies, like systems that use AI to detect large attacks and thwart them at an early stage. It also suggests using AI in complaint resolution 'through unified portal and use of … chatbots'. The focus on security is carried on from the 2018 policy, with specific strategies to 'monitor Indian and foreign satellites and improve mitigation of satellite carrier interference,' and 'increasing monitoring … along the border areas to reduce cross-border spillage'. Some of the objectives are activities where work has already begun, such as the mobile number validation service, to allow institutions to verify an individual mobile user's identity; the service's draft regulations were released for comment earlier this month. The 'lawful interception' language from the 2018 policy no longer finds a place in Thursday's draft, which focuses instead on building quantum-secure communications. On sustainability, the new policy also adds the 'circular economy' imperative of recycling materials from telecom equipment in use.
Chicago Tribune
01-07-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Notre Dame College Prep students plant flags on campus lawn in tribute to country, fallen soldiers
Students of Notre Dame College Prep high school in Niles put patriotism, pride and a salute to military personnel on display, staking thousands of small American flags on the campus lawn ahead of Independence Day. 'This tradition began in 2008 by math teacher Mr. John Bachta, this student-led tribute has become a cherished tradition at NDCP,' school leaders stated in a news release announcing the planting event. 'This visual tribute is more than a tradition — it's a moving show of gratitude from the next generation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.' Installed June 24, the display is planned to remain on the lawn through July 4. 'It's a story of remembrance, community pride, and patriotism that continues to inspire,' according to the release.
