Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of establishing India as a global frontrunner in telecom technologies and standards, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) effectively organized the “National Workshop on Enhancing Indian Participation in Telecom Global Standards Bodies” on July 7th, 2023. The workshop, held in collaboration with C-DoT and TSDSI, aimed to foster India’s active involvement in global standardization activities and reinforce its commitment to innovation and quality in the telecom sector.
Boosting India’s Involvement in Global Standardization
Secretary (Telecom) Shri K Rajaraman inaugurated the Standards Coordination Portal developed by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) during the workshop. This portal serves as a platform for experts from various sectors, including industry, academia, research institutes, and the government, to come together and enhance India’s participation in global standardization activities. The portal acts as a central hub for sharing information and promoting collaboration in the standardization of telecom and related ICT domains.
Ensuring Fairness in Artificial Intelligence
During the workshop, Secretary Rajaraman also unveiled the TEC standard on “Fairness Assessment and Rating of Artificial Intelligence Systems.” This standard has been meticulously crafted through extensive consultations with stakeholders by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre. The standard establishes inclusive guidelines and protocols to thoroughly assess and rate the equity of artificial intelligence systems, guaranteeing their ethical and accountable implementation. This standard demonstrates India’s commitment to fostering a regulatory framework that promotes fairness and transparency in AI technologies.
Streamlined Certification Process and Commitment to Quality
As part of the workshop, an Online Module for Voluntary Certification of telecom products was introduced. This module aims to provide a streamlined process for certification, facilitating the efficient evaluation and approval of telecom products. The simplified certification process will not only promote compliance but also encourage innovation and market readiness.
During the event, approval certificates were handed over to C-DoT for Conditional Access System and Technology Approval Certificate for Dual Band Outdoor Wi-Fi Access Point. These certificates symbolize C-DoT’s dedication to maintaining high standards of quality and innovation in their products.
Strengthening India’s Leadership Role in Telecom Standards
Secretary Telecom, in his address, emphasized the importance of India playing a leading role in global telecom standardization efforts. He recommended the annual organization of these workshops, aiming to unite industry, academia, startups, and government organizations to nurture collaboration and contribute to the development of global standards. The Secretary’s speech highlighted the contribution of research to the economy and India’s potential to become a producer of technology.
The workshop showcased a lineup of esteemed speakers and experts from various fields, including industry, academia, government organizations, and renowned research and development centers. Engaging discussions centered around topics such as the standard-making process, the conversion of patents into Standard Essential Patents (SEPs), and the role of academic institutions in fostering a vibrant standards community.
The event provided a platform to raise awareness and encourage active Indian participation in international standardization bodies such as ITU, 3GPP, and IEEE. The workshop emphasized the pivotal role of standardization for businesses and startups, particularly through the Standard Essential Patents (SEP) mechanism.
