NCA, DoT and GSMA sign MoU to strengthen telecom policies

TL;DR: NCA, DoT and GSMA sign MoU for telecommunications

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NCA, DoT and GSMA at India Mobile Congress 2025.
• The goal is to strengthen policy, research and training in the telecommunications sector.
• The aim is to advance the Digital India vision and promote emerging technologies such as 5G and AI.
• The collaboration includes workshops and knowledge-exchange programs.
• A positive impact is expected on digital inclusion and socioeconomic development.

Introduction to the Memorandum of Understanding

On October 8, 2025, as part of India Mobile Congress 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Communications Academy (NCA), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the GSM Association (GSMA). This agreement was formalized in the presence of the Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and the Secretary of Telecommunications, Dr. Neeraj Mittal. This MoU establishes a broad framework for cooperation in policy development, research, training and capacity building in the telecommunications sector.

The signing of the MoU represents a significant step toward improving institutional capabilities and promoting regulatory best practices in India. The Director General of GSMA, Vivek Badrinath, and the Director General of NCA, Atul Sinha, highlighted the importance of this collaboration to advance the Digital India vision, which seeks to transform the country into an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

This agreement not only seeks to strengthen national capabilities, but also to increase India’s participation in global telecommunications standards and policy forums. The collaboration will focus on joint research, analysis and training, with an emphasis on digital inclusion and socioeconomic development.

Objectives of the MoU between NCA, DoT and GSMA

The MoU signed between NCA, DoT and GSMA has several key objectives aimed at transforming the telecommunications landscape in India. These objectives include:

1. Policy Development: Establish a framework for policy development that promotes the adoption of emerging technologies and regulatory best practices.

2. Research and Training: Conduct joint research and training programs that strengthen institutional capabilities in the telecommunications sector.

3. Promotion of Emerging Technologies: Encourage the adoption of technologies such as 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

4. Digital Inclusion: Work on initiatives that address the digital divide and promote the inclusion of disadvantaged communities in access to digital services.

5. International Collaboration: Facilitate India’s participation in international telecommunications forums, promoting an exchange of knowledge and experiences.

This comprehensive approach will not only benefit the institutions involved, but will also have a positive impact on Indian society, driving socioeconomic development and innovation.

Impact on Telecommunications Policy

The signing of the MoU between NCA, DoT, and GSMA has the potential to transform telecommunications policy in India. This agreement will allow the parties to collaborate in creating a more robust regulatory environment tailored to the needs of the sector. Some of the expected impacts include:

• Improvement in Regulation: Collaboration will facilitate the development of better regulatory best practices, which can lead to a more favorable environment for investment and innovation in telecommunications.

• Boost to Innovation: By promoting the adoption of emerging technologies, India is expected to position itself as a leader in digital innovation, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

• Increase in Digital Inclusion: Joint initiatives to address the digital divide will help ensure that more people have access to telecommunications services, which is crucial for socioeconomic development.

• Capacity Building: Training and the development of institutional capacities will enable organizations in the sector to better adapt to technological and regulatory changes.

In summary, the MoU represents a significant opportunity to reform and modernize telecommunications policy in India, aligning it with global trends and local needs.

Strengthening Institutional Capacities

One of the most notable aspects of the MoU is its focus on strengthening institutional capacities in the telecommunications sector. This objective will be achieved through various initiatives, including:

• Training Programs: Workshops and training programs will be conducted to improve the skills and knowledge of sector professionals. This will include training in areas such as regulation, spectrum management, and the adoption of new technologies.

• Joint Research: Collaboration between NCA and GSMA will make it possible to carry out research that identifies thebest practices and innovative approaches in telecommunications, which will benefit the institutions involved.

• Knowledge Exchange: Knowledge exchange between the parties will be encouraged, enabling institutions to learn from one another and adopt successful approaches in their own operations.

• Leadership Development: The creation of leadership programs in telecommunications will help train the next generation of leaders in the sector, ensuring that India has the talent needed to meet future challenges.

This focus on capacity building will not only benefit the institutions, but will also contribute to the overall development of India’s telecommunications sector.

Collaboration in Research and Development

Collaboration in research and development is an essential component of the MoU signed between NCA, DoT, and GSMA. This cooperation will enable the parties to address key challenges in the telecommunications sector and promote innovation. Some highlights of this collaboration include:

• Joint Research: NCA and GSMA will conduct joint research focused on emerging trends in telecommunications, enabling India to remain at the forefront of innovation.

• Evidence-Based Policy Development: The research will help inform policy development, ensuring that it is based on solid data and evidence.

• Fostering Innovation: By collaborating on research projects, new solutions and technologies are expected to be developed that benefit the sector and society at large.

• Participation in International Projects: The collaboration will also open opportunities for India to participate in international research projects, which can enrich local expertise and knowledge.

This focus on research and development will not only strengthen the capabilities of the institutions involved, but will also contribute to the advancement of India’s telecommunications sector.

Promotion of Emerging Technologies

The promotion of emerging technologies is a key aspect of the MoU between NCA, DoT, and GSMA. This collaboration will focus on several critical areas:

5G and 6G

The adoption of 5G and 6G technologies is fundamental to the future of telecommunications. These technologies offer faster connection speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a greater number of devices. The collaboration between NCA and GSMA will focus on:

• Research and Develollo: Conduct research on the applications and benefits of 5G and 6G in different sectors, including health, education, and transportation.

• Training in New Technologies: Develop training programs to prepare industry professionals for the implementation and management of these advanced technologies.

Artificial Intelligence and IoT

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming the way we interact with technology. The collaboration will focus on:

• AI Integration in Telecommunications: Research how AI can improve operational efficiency and the customer experience in the telecommunications sector.

• Development of IoT Solutions: Promote the development of IoT solutions that facilitate connectivity and automation across various sectors.

Promoting these emerging technologies will not only benefit the telecommunications sector, but will also drive innovation across the entire economy.

Training Initiatives and Workshops

Training initiatives and workshops are fundamental to the success of the MoU between NCA, DoT, and GSMA. These activities will focus on:

• Training Programs: Training programs will be carried out for industry professionals, addressing topics such as regulation, spectrum management, and the adoption of new technologies.

• Knowledge Workshops: Workshops will be organized to foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences among the parties, enabling institutions to learn from one another.

• International Collaboration: Participation in international training programs will be facilitated, enriching local experience and knowledge.

These initiatives will not only strengthen the capabilities of the institutions involved, but will also contribute to the overall development of the telecommunications sector in India.

Contribution to India’s Digital Vision

The MoU between NCA, DoT, and GSMA is a crucial step toward realizing the Digital India vision. This collaboration will contribute to several key aspects of this vision:

• Digital Inclusion: By addressing the digital divide and promoting access to telecommunications services, more people in India are expected to benefit from the digital transformation.

• Socioeconomic Development: Promoting emerging technologies and improving institutional capabilities will contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development.

• Innovation and Self-sufficiency: The collaboration will foster innovation and self-sufficiency in the telecommunications sector, aligning with the objectives of the Indian government.

In summary, the MoU represents a significant opportunity to advance the Digital India vision, ensuring that the country is well positioned to face the challenges of the future.

Participation in Global Telecommunications Forums

Participation in global telecommunications forums is an essential aspect of the MoU signed between NCA, DoT, and GSMA. This collaboration will enable India to:

• Increase its International Visibility: By participating in global forums, India will be able to share its experiences and best practices, increasing its visibility on the international stage.

• Influence Global Standards: The collaboration will allow India to contribute to the development of global telecommunications standards and policies, ensuring that its interests are represented.

• Foster International Collaborations: Participation in global forums will open opportunities for collaborations with other countries and organizations, which will enrich local experience and knowledge.

This focus on international participation will not only benefit the institutions involved, but will also contribute to the overall development of the telecommunications sector in India.

Conclusions and Future Outlook

The MoU signed between NCA, DoT, and GSMA represents a significant step toward strengthening telecommunications policy in India. This collaboration has the potential to transform the sector, promoting innovation, digital inclusion, and socioeconomic development. As the MoU initiatives are implemented, India is expected to position itself as a leader in the telecommunications arena, contributing to the realization of the Digital India vision.

Strengthening Cooperation in Telecommunications Policies

Cooperation between NCA, DoT, and GSMA is fundamental to the development of effective policies in the telecommunications sector. This collaboration will focus on:

Context and Objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding

The MoU establishes a clear framework for cooperation in key areas, including policy development, research, and training. This will enable the parties to address current and future challenges in the sector.

Expected Impact on Socioeconomic Development

The collaboration is expected to have a positive impact

in India’s socioeconomic development, promoting digital inclusion and access to telecommunications services.

Future Prospects and Commitment to Innovation

As the MoU initiatives are implemented, India is expected to position itself as a leader in telecommunications innovation, contributing to the realization of the Digital India vision and ensuring a sustainable future for the sector.