The Indian telecom regulator, TRAI, has asked for public input on how to make smartphones more affordable in India, so more people can benefit from the digital revolution. They want to know if government efforts, like promoting local manufacturing, are enough to lower smartphone prices.
TRAI is interested in finding out what steps can be taken to make digital devices and internet access cheaper for all citizens. They want to empower people to take full advantage of the benefits of a digital society.
In their consultation paper, TRAI talks about options like financing for smartphones and considering the use of secondhand phones in India.
TRAI is concerned that the fast pace of technology, including the rollout of 5G and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, could create a digital divide. This means that if these tech wonders aren’t made affordable and easy to get for everyone, some communities and places might get left behind.
TRAI says that unequal access to tech, not knowing much about the digital stuff, and problems with affording it all could stop folks from using these new gadgets, making the existing digital gap even worse. To make sure that everybody gets the benefits of these cool new technologies, TRAI thinks it’s super important to deal with these problems.
So, if you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until October 16, and there’s a deadline of October 31 to reply to what others have to say.
