18th May 2024: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day was observed on 17th May, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) came forward to celebrate this Day. This day serves as a reminder of the crucial role that telecommunication services play in our lives and how they have evolved to shape the modern world. Officially recognized as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, this event highlights the profound impact of communication technologies on society, economies, and our everyday interactions.
A Historical Perspective
The roots of World Telecommunication Day trace back to 17th May 1969, when it was celebrated for the first time. This date was chosen to commemorate the founding of the ITU, which was established on 17 May 1865. Over the last 55 years, the telecommunications landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. From the days of Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephone call on 10 March 1876 to the cutting-edge 5G smartphones of today, the journey has been nothing short of revolutionary.
Milestones in Telecommunication
The evolution of telecommunication can be charted through several key milestones:
The Invention of the Telephone: On 10 March 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call, saying the famous words to his assistant, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” This invention laid the groundwork for a new era of communication.
The First Mobile Call: Fast forward to 3 April 1973, when Martin Cooper of Motorola made the first mobile telephone call. This marked the beginning of the mobile revolution, setting the stage for the development of the cellular networks we rely on today.
From Landlines to 2G and 3G: The 1980s and 1990s saw the proliferation of landline telephones and the introduction of the first generation (1G) of mobile networks. This was followed by the launch of 2G in the early 1990s, which brought digital encryption of conversations and SMS messaging, and 3G in the 2000s, which introduced mobile internet access.
The Era of 4G and 5G: The 2010s ushered in 4G technology, significantly enhancing internet speeds and making high-definition video streaming and complex online applications possible on mobile devices. The latest advancement, 5G, promises even faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a vast number of devices.
As we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, it is essential to reflect on how far we have come and to envision the future. The rapid pace of innovation in telecommunications suggests that the next few decades will bring even more groundbreaking developments.
Manish Mangal The Chief Technology Officer of Telecom & Global Business Head, Network Services, Tech Mahindra said in his words
“In realm of telecommunications, every day is a testament to the power of connectivity and innovation. This year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day theme ‘Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development’ serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to use the technology for betterment of the society and the planet. The introduction of 5G networks represents a significant advancement, offering speeds and connectivity that facilitate innovation across various sectors. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming customer service and network efficiency, while Open RAN offers a more adaptable infrastructure. Moreover, with the transition to network cloud orchestration, telecom providers are adjusting their approach to meet evolving customer needs with scalable and agile solutions. On this significant occasion, let’s reaffirm our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that every technological advancement contributes to uplifting and empowering the global community. As leaders in the telecommunications industry, let’s pave the way for a brighter future where technology drives positive change, and innovation is synonymous with sustainability. Let’s all contribute to bridging the digital divide and securing a more equitable and sustainable future for every corner of the globe.”
Anku Jain The Managing Director of MediaTek India said
“India’s telecom sector has emerged as a key driver of economic growth and development, contributing 6.5% to the nation’s GDP. India has demonstrated a strong focus on innovation, possibilities, and inclusive growth in its telecom journey from, 5G adoption to technological breakthroughs. The 5G spectrum was successfully auctioned off by India, creating the foundation for next-generation connectivity while providing numerous opportunities for businesses and consumers. With the introduction of 5G services—which are among the fastest in the world—a new age of high-speed, low-latency communication has arrived. MediaTek foresees that new-age technologies such as 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (both Generative AI and Cloud AI), AR/VR, advancements in 5G, 6G, and edge computing will drive the next wave of technological advancements.
Furthermore, The National Digital Communications Policy of 2018, the PLI scheme, the Bharatnet project, and other government programs/ initiatives have contributed significantly to the growth of domestic manufacturing, the expansion of digital infrastructure, and the closing of the digital gap between urban and rural areas. The commitment to empowerment and connectivity ensures the democratization of technology, even in the most remote corners of the nation.”
Agendra Kumar The Managing Director of Esri India said
“For India to be among the top three economies of the world, broadband penetration needs to increase from about 13% to 80%. This requires connecting over 20 crore households with broadband services, which sets the ground for large-scale deployment of fibre, mobile towers, etc. GIS will be a crucial technology here, enabling stakeholders to achieve unmatched precision and cost and time efficiency in the projects. Using GIS-powered digital twins, broadband planning, execution, and network management will be more efficient and cost-effective. GIS will make broadband deployment a much easier task due to a lot of data that is now available for rural areas. Digital twins can also facilitate signal propagation modeling, guiding maintenance, and upgrades for stronger coverage. Expansion in broadband infrastructure, coupled with accompanying amenities like digital literacy programs, online educational resources, job search platforms, and healthcare facilities, will lead to diminished inequalities and greater development. We, at Esri India are continuously working with government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and authoritative data producers to advance various sustainable development efforts in the country. Our contributions to the broadband growth story would be another step towards building a more resilient nation.”
Tarun Chhabra The Country Manager of Nokia India
“World Telecommunication & Information Society Day is celebrated every year to mark the incredible contribution of telecom in building digital networks and economy, however, as the digital landscape is growingly becoming all-pervasive, now the telecom industry needs to validate its sustainability efforts. It’s estimated that digital technologies can help achieve 70% of targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. On our part, Nokia globally has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. We are actively participating in many standardization forums to develop standards for energy-efficient telecommunications networks. circular telecommunications products, responsible use of AI, etc. On the manufacturing front, our Chennai factory in India fulfils 80% of its energy requirement with green energy and aims to achieve 100% green energy use by 2025. With the fastest rollout of 5G, India is on the cusp of a digital revolution with its pioneering initiatives in the adoption of AI and also taking the right steps in establishing its 6G leadership. Nokia remains committed to working with all its stakeholders as India readies to steer global digital innovation and leadership.”
