Telecom regulator TRAI on Thursday invited public comments to explore ways and means to make smartphones affordable in the country for digital inclusion.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), as part of its consultation paper on ‘Digital Inclusion in the Era of Emerging Technologies’, will assess whether government measures, such as a focus on local manufacturing, are sufficient to lower smartphone prices in the world to lower. India.
“What measures should be taken to make digital devices and digital connectivity affordable for citizens so that they can maximize the benefits of an inclusive digital society?” TRAI wondered in the consultation document.
In the paper, TRAI has cited examples of smartphone financing and research on the viability of second-hand smartphones in the country.
The regulator sees that the rapid pace of technological advancement and the launch of 5G services, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, could widen the digital divide if not made affordable and accessible to marginalized communities and underserved regions.
“Unequal access to infrastructure, limited digital literacy and affordability issues could hinder the equitable distribution and use of emerging technologies, exacerbating existing disparities in digital inclusion. To ensure comprehensive digital inclusion, it is imperative to address the gaps that are likely to emerge due to emerging technologies,” TRAI said.
The regulator has set October 16 as the last date for commenting and October 31 for counter-comments on the document.
