Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper (CP) on “Digital Inclusion in the Era of Emerging Technologies” today 14th September 2023. The consultation paper aims to explore and address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, with a focus on ensuring inclusivity for all segments of society and industries particularly Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
In the consultation paper, TRAI has analysed various gaps in digital inclusion present in the country such as the mobile internet usage gap, rural-urban internet penetration disparities, gender gaps in internet access, etc. as well as gaps identified from some global indices. Proactively prioritizing inclusion can create an ecosystem that benefits every individual, fostering a more equitable and accessible digital economy.
The TRAI has also identified various challenges being faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in the country from the adoption of new and emerging digital technology solutions. As MSME sector contributes significantly towards the nation’s economy, it is imperative that the MSMEs are empowered to contribute more towards the digital economy through new emerging technology solutions, especially the micro-enterprises as majority of the MSMEs are micro-enterprises.
The Consultation Paper, for seeking inputs from the stakeholders, has been placed on TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in). Written comments on the issues for consultation are invited from the stakeholders by 16 October 2023 and counter comments by 31 October 2023.
The comments and counter-comments may be sent, preferably in the electronic form on email: advisorit[at]trai[dot]gov[dot]in, with a copy to Ja-cadiv[at]trai[dot]gov[dot]in. For any clarification/ information, Shri Anand Kumar Singh, Advisor (CA&IT) may be contacted at Tel. No. +91-11- 23210990.
