5G in some cities, internet shutdown in others; hypocritical but true. While some states remain far from getting internet services, others are enjoying the privilege of 5G technology. Doesn’t that sound unfair and undemocratic?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches 5G and inaugurates the 6th edition of the India Mobile Congress in Delhi-Â
“5G is a knock on the doors of a new era in the country. 5G is the beginning of an infinite sky of opportunities.”Â
5G, or fifth generation telecom services, is set to be rolled out in selected cities in India in 2022. Such cities include Gurugram, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jamnagar, Ahmadabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Pune, and Gandhinagar.
On Monday, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said, “These metropolitans and big cities would be the first places for the launch of 5G services in the country next year.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, “A new India—the country is no longer just a consumer of technology but a contributor to its development too.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches 5G services
Industry leaders expressed their gratitude towards this new technological step taken by the Prime Minister.
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance, thanked the Prime Minister for inspiring the vision of a developed nation by 2047.
He said, “Every action and policy of the government is skillfully crafted to propel India towards that goal. Steps taken to fast-track India’s march into the 5G era provide compelling proof of our Prime Minister’s determination. ”
He concluded by saying, “Your leadership has raised India’s prestige, profile, and power globally like never before. In today’s fast-changing world, there will be no stopping a resurgent India from soaring to the top. ”
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprise, remarked by saying, “With the efforts of the Prime Minister, this will usher in new energy in the country.
We are fortunate to have a leader in the Prime Minister who understands technology very minutely and deployed that to the development of the country in an unmatched manner. ”
He further said, “With the advent of 5G, I’m sure that the country will add many more unicorns in the world.”
Internet outages have occurred in some areas and can occur at any time-
“ Even access to the Internet for some has become a dream.”
The shutdown of Internet services has affected states like Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and Bihar, etc.
As internet shutdowns are not officially announced, it is difficult to track if the phone isn’t finding networks properly or if it is the internet shutdown at large. Jammu and Kashmir has had more than 411 shutdowns since 2012, and the longest one went on for 552 days after the abrogation of Article 370.
According to the Internet Freedom and tech policy organisations, India is the leading country (by number) for internet disruption incidents and frequency of shutdowns. According to SFLC, this year, 59 shutdowns have been enforced, which determines shutdowns based on government orders and media reports.
Earlier, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) wrote to the central government, asking it to control internet shutdowns in the country and avert uncertainties that stem from state governments giving these orders.
The government justifies shutting down the internet by saying it is important to control misinformation or rumors that can deteriorate the law and order of an area. So, curbing the internet helps in maintaining peace among different communities and areas.
Experts counterattack it by saying that in the absence of proper information sources, rumors are prone to even spreading more. Cutting internet services does not only affect the people of that area but leads to economic losses at large.
Some areas still don’t face network issues and internet shutdowns, while some are getting the privilege of accessing the 5G service. Sadly, true.
Readmore- 5G technology in India soon
