PROJECT BACKGROUND

Even as the momentum builds to deploy 5G networks the world-over, there is widespread anticipation about the transformative capabilities of the next-gen wireless phenomenon (CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO) . It’s a given that the 5G era will deliver higher speeds and expanded connectivity on multiple devices— reasons why it will change lives forever. According to a recent forecast, the global 5G core market size is projected to grow from USD 630 million in 2020 to USD 9,497 million by 2025. India stands on the threshold of adopting the technology, and it is estimated that the country will have 350 million 5G subscriptions by 2026. India's digital economy grew 2.4 times faster than the Indian economy, with strong forward linkages to non-digital sectors; digital output multiplier has increased over time, highlighting the role of investments to drive growth and 62.4 million (11.6%) workers are employed in the digitally dependent economy." India's digital transformation was accelerated by the 'Digital India' campaign. The role of digital economy is also becoming increasingly important for the G20, as it offers a range of opportunities.

THE 5G JOURNEY OF NORTH EAST

1.    NEC BACKROUND WORK WITH DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, GOVT. OF INDIA:CLICK FOR VIDEO

2.    VISION SET BY HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER IN THE NEC’S GOLDEN JUBILEE EVENT: The Hon’ble Prime Minister during his address to NEC in its Golden Jubilee Celebrations held on 18-12-2022 emphasised to capitalize On ‘Asht Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)’ Govt. should work on 8 foundation pillars for the development of entire NE Region in which one of the major pillar emphasised was 5G connectivity.CLICK FOR VIDEO

3.   NEC PROJECT DEPLOYMENT: Keeping in mind “ACT FIRST FOR NORTH EAST” Policy of Government of India, North Eastern Council, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, Shillong has funded the project “5G APPLICATIONS IN NER WITH HUB AT AMTRON, GUWAHATI.” The Components were decided based on extensive consultations with Department of Telecommunications, Government of India (CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO) and are enumerated as under:

a.       a. Awareness - The Project envisages to have Aan intensive fortnight campaign  across Educational  Institutions / Local stakeholders to have a peek into the  world of possibilities that 5G shall  offer.

b.    Local HR Capacity Building Through 5G Labs & MOOC Courses– With aim to foil the gaps related to “Digital Divide” and lack of educational content on 5G in NE Technical Institutions, the project envisages establishment of one 5G Training Lab in each of the 8 North Eastern States to provide facilities to stakeholders to take formal short-term courses on 5G and use cases. In addition, MOOC Courses wherein any stakeholders can get additional knowledge on the 5G Ecosystem.

 c.    Deployment of Locally Relevant 5G Use Cases– While Telcos shall focus on deploying solutions for network upgrade from 3G/4G to 5G, what is needed is that customers should see real life use cases on what 5G can enable which cannot be deployed effectively on a large scale on 4G. Hence, the project shall showcase on a Pilot Scale thematic use cases in the following verticals:

i.     Healthcare

ii.    Improved Access To Digital Educational Content

iii.    Bamboo / Cane Artisans / Crafts Persons

iv.    Agriculture Use Cases

d.    Workshops with stakeholders in each State to share the best practices and show them the benefits of large-scale adoption of such technology solutions.