Union Minister for Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that he would like India to become a hub of 5G services but there is need to work carefully as it would create opportunity as well as problem. ” I would like that India becomes a good hub of 5G services but we have to work very carefully as to what kind of ecosystem develops in the world as far as 5G is concerned,” Mr Prasad said at India Economic Conclave-2019.
“It is very fast, it will create opportunity, it will create problem also,” he said. He said,” 5G technology is like a driver less car and being a law minister, I am very much concerned that who will be responsible if it causes accident.” The minister, however, did not give any timeline for the launch of 5G services in India. He said, “We have given spectrum for demonstration purposes. Will it come in one year or two year…..”
“There are many issues of 5G. Our Prime Minister is very clear that both artificial intelligence and 5G must be used for healthcare, education, in agriculture and we are very keenly pushing for it,” the minister said. Asked about the speculation of public sector telecom — BSNL and MTNL to be shutdown, the minister said,” There are various problems in the telecom sector and the government is looking to resolve these issues.”
“BSNL is in strategic interest of the nation. Whenever there is flood, cyclones, BSNL is the first one to offer services for free. There are legacy issues which we are looking into it,” Mr Prasad said. (UNI)
