Balancing Innovation and Regulation in the 5G+ Era

In an era where connectivity is evolving rapidly, the 5G+ revolution brings both unprecedented opportunities and significant regulatory challenges. The panel discussion, "Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in the 5G+ Era," moderated by Prasanto K Roy, Senior Advisor at FTI Consulting and former Editor-in-Chief at CyberMedia, brings together key industry leaders to explore this critical juncture. Anjali Hans, EVP – Regulatory, CSR & External Communications Head, Vodafone Idea, Jaspreet Singh, Partner & Leader - Clients and Markets (Advisory Services) and GCC Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat, Vinish Bawa, Partner and Telecom sector leader, PwC India, Lt Gen Anil Kumar Bhatt (retd), Director General, Indian Space Association, and Sandeep Girotra, Vice Chairman, DIPA, discussed a wide range of topics shaping the future of telecom, including regulatory challenges, technological shifts, 5G monetisation, and digital inclusion. The panel delved into how 5G, cybersecurity, and satellite communication are poised to transform industries while addressing critical issues in infrastructure, spectrum allocation, and market adoption.

Shifting from Hardware to Software and Regulatory Challenges

One of the key points raised during the discussion was the shift from hardware to software in 5G networks, especially regarding base stations and other telecom equipment. With this shift comes a heightened focus on cybersecurity, as pointed out by the panelists. The increasing reliance on software introduces new vulnerabilities, requiring the telecom industry to adopt robust security measures. The discussion also touched on NSTTS and NCSC's demands for stringent cybersecurity protocols to protect these digital infrastructures.

Another important regulatory challenge discussed was the right-of-way (RoW) issues and infrastructure development, especially with fiber networks. Panelists emphasised the importance of creating seamless infrastructure to ensure faster and more efficient 5G rollouts. The new regulations introduced in India aim to ease these challenges, enabling operators to build the necessary infrastructure at a quicker pace and at lower costs. However, the need for further reforms in RoW policies and faster adoption was highlighted, particularly regarding cost management and infrastructure development timelines.

Spectrum Allocation and 5G Adoption

The issue of spectrum allocation emerged as a critical concern, with panelists discussing how spectrum scarcity and high auction costs are slowing down 5G adoption in India. The global perspective provided by the panel showed that regions like Africa and Latin America are further ahead in connecting 5G lines compared to India, despite India's rapid technological progress. Simplifying spectrum regulations and creating a clearer roadmap for spectrum allocation was seen as a necessary step to accelerate 5G deployment.

The role of satellite communication was also discussed in depth, with experts emphasising its importance in bridging the connectivity gap in remote and underserved areas. The panelists discussed the increasing demand for spectrum in satellite communications, especially as new players enter the market and satellite technology advances. They advocated for a lighter regulatory touch to encourage innovation in this field and allow for more seamless integration with terrestrial networks.

Digital Inclusion and Women’s Access to Technology

A major theme that emerged during the discussion was digital inclusion, particularly addressing the digital divide between men and women in rural areas. Panelists noted that despite widespread 5G adoption in urban areas, rural regions, especially women still struggle with access to basic digital services. The conversation focused on leveraging the Universal Service Obligation (USO) fund to provide devices to women, enabling them to access information and livelihood opportunities. The panelists agreed that improving device penetration in rural areas is critical to ensuring that everyone benefits from the advancements in 5G technology.

Technology Adoption and Localisation

The discussion also explored the topic of 5G use cases and monetisation, with an emphasis on the importance of encouraging local production and content creation. While India has seen significant progress in developing 5G technology, panelists argued that the country still needs to improve its localisation efforts in technology production and innovation. The need to increase domestic patenting, IP development, and R&D within the country was stressed as a way to reduce reliance on foreign technology and promote self-sufficiency in the telecom sector.

Conclusion

The panel concluded that while significant progress has been made in the development and deployment of 5G, numerous regulatory, economic, and societal challenges remain. The experts called for a more coordinated effort between industry players and policymakers to address these issues, with an emphasis on simplifying regulations, ensuring spectrum availability, and promoting digital inclusion. By overcoming these hurdles, India can maximise the potential of 5G and ensure that its benefits are shared by all segments of society.

This comprehensive discussion provided a clear roadmap for the future of telecom, highlighting the need for balanced policy-making, technological innovation, and inclusive growth strategies in the 5G era.