India Mobile Congress | 5G will reach every corner of the nation, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday, October 27, expressed optimism about the country's digital future. Speaking to reporters during the open day of India Mobile Congress 2023, Vaishnaw said 5G has been a key driver in India's digital transformation and expressed confidence that the new standard for wireless connectivity will "reach every corner of the nation".

Vaishnaw also spoke about the crucial role that satellite communication technology will play in extending connectivity to remote and border areas. The integration of satellite communication will bridge the digital divide, ensuring that even the most isolated regions of the country have access to high-speed internet and digital services, the minister said.

Further, Vaishnaw said 98% of the mobile devices used in India are now manufactured locally, underscoring the government's 'Aatnmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) initiative. Vaishnaw further said India would soon see the local production of Gorilla Glass, a crucial component for mobile devices used to protect displays. He said this would bolster the nation's position in the global mobile manufacturing industry.

Furthermore, the government's focus is now directed towards attracting mobile phone component manufacturers to establish operations in India, the minister said, adding that the move aims to promote a robust ecosystem for the manufacturing of mobile devices and components within the country.

Through the Semiconductor India Mission, the country aims to become a global hub for chip manufacturing and Vaishnaw hinted at significant upcoming announcements regarding two to three semiconductor proposals, which he said could potentially lead to the establishment of semiconductor fabrication units in the country, reducing India's reliance on imports.

Vaishnaw also lauded Vodafone Idea chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla's commitment to deploying 5G technology soon. This commitment is a significant step towards the realisation of the government's ambitious 5G plans, he said.