New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on future-ready infrastructure planning. The partnership aims to drive innovation in digital twins, AI-driven solutions, virtual world technologies, and the transformative potential of IMT-2030. It also focuses on developing global standards for seamless interoperability, advancing sustainable development through shared frameworks, and promoting citizen engagement in urban and infrastructure planning.
Secretary (Telecom), Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, Neeraj Mittal, is on an official visit to Geneva to strengthen India’s digital leadership and engage with key international stakeholders in the telecommunications sector. During his meeting with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to digital connectivity, inclusion, and innovation. Discussions covered India's leadership in 5G and 6G technologies, AI for digital transformation, cybersecurity frameworks, and ITU’s Partner2Connect initiative aimed at bridging the global digital divide. India also reiterated its support for ITU’s global connectivity projects and skill development programmes.
As part of efforts to position India as a global hub for policy discussions on telecommunications and ICT regulations, Neeraj Mittal proposed hosting the ITU-Plenipotentiary Conference 2030 in India. The proposal was positively received, and further discussions will take place at the upcoming ITU Council Meeting. India has previously hosted WTSA-2024 in New Delhi in October 2024.
Telecommunication technologies are evolving beyond traditional connectivity to become platforms for innovative infrastructure planning. By integrating AI, digital twins, and real-time connectivity, these technologies generate intelligence that transforms infrastructure planning in sectors such as transport, urban development, and healthcare. The collaboration through the LoI marks a shift in the role of the telecom sector from merely providing connectivity to enabling data-driven solutions for infrastructure development.
The partnership will facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building by integrating insights from initiatives like DoT’s Sangam and ITU’s Citiverse. It will contribute to global standards for IoT, digital twins, and smart cities by working with ITU-T Study Group 20. Sandbox environments will be created to test digital twin technologies, conduct pilot projects, and refine regulatory frameworks. AI-powered platforms will be used to engage citizens in urban planning and infrastructure development, enhancing participatory governance. The collaboration will also focus on privacy-enhancing techniques in ICT measurement and the integration of AI models with country-specific datasets for customised infrastructure solutions.
BI Bureau
