What can be the role of government and private players in bridging digital divide?

The Government can only play an enabling role by allowing and stimulating a competitive environment between the operators and the technologies. The Government should endeavour to optimise the utilisation of spectrum efficient technologies while simultaneously striving to enable operators to provide efficient services at affordable costs to ensure that every citizen comes under the realm of connectivity.

Can good telecom penetration lead to development of an economically backward area?

Efficient and affordable teleconnectivity will become the stimulant and act as a force multiplier in enhancing economic activity in the remotest and most backward parts of this country. There is no doubt that an efficient communication system is an important tool in the process of development and governance. Moreover, an effective connectivity in the last mile could ensure uniform and efficient delivery of services particularly in areas of health, education etc.

What is the technology you have developed? When GSM and CDMA are already present, what is the rational for developing new technology?

We have developed the next-generation wireless access technology called NG1. This was originally conceptualised as a PhD program in the US. The network architecture of this technology is state-of-the-art and is based on IP. This platform can deliver both voice and high-speed mobile data simultaneously with several applications that have multi-dimensional ramifications. This is the most spectrum efficient and environment-friendly technology among the available (and likely to be available) ones. Apart from being spectrum efficient, we have the unique advantage to enable a large coverage area while we simultaneously cater to more subscribers within a cell site. These features make it the most cost-effective solution for the delivery of services.

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