Editorial – April 2020

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has thrown normal life out of gear, wreaking devastating consequences. In these difficult times, we have clapped, cheered, lit a lamp and expressed gratitude for doctors, health service folks, sanitation workers and an array of essential services. The world today is functioning with two methods: social distancing and work from home. To make this possible, the telecom sector has been working tirelessly. Therefore, a big shout-out to all who are working in the telecom sector. Those maintaining tower sites, data centres, NOCs, those plying vehicles with diesel for DG sets of mobile towers and those slogging in teeming virtual war rooms and delivering many other functions, the country applauds you.

Data has surged 15-22 per cent in lockdown season and telcos are working hard to ensure cent percent service availability 24×7, says DG, COAI in an interview to us. Online video streaming has also seen a sharp rise, prompting telcos to urge DoT to instruct streaming platforms to switch from HD to SD so as to ease the pressure on network infrastructure. This has been done and now HD-streaming has freed up 20 per cent of network capacity for telcos.

The government has also urged OTTs to remove high bandwidth-consuming advertisements and pop-ups and replace them with public announcements on awareness regarding the virus.

Operators have written to DoT and Trai requesting them that customers be allowed to access all critical websites offering government services, e-commerce and digital payments such as the Bhim app, without being charged for data during the lockdown period.

Device manufacturers like Lenovo, Motorola, Asus, Haier etc have extended the warranty of their products which were to be expired in the lockdown period. Telcos and messaging apps are fulfilling the crucial role of disseminating information about COVID-19. There are a total of 115 crore mobile subscribers out of which 98 crore subscribers are active. Technology start-ups are coming up with location tracking and remote support platforms, all directed to flatten the curve and fight the pandemic.

Overall, in a phase when most businesses are shut, telecom services is the one of the few sectors which is reporting a demand surge and big revenue gains from increase in internet consumption. However, there is no SIM buying happening, net subscriber additions fell by 2 million in March. But this is offset by present data usage and the impact of tariff increase in December 2019. The business of International SIM providers has come to a standstill with travel bans in place. Smartphone makers are also facing component and distribution problems with major disruptions in the supply chain which is largely global.

We bring you all the details in our three-part cover story which also has a special insert on how China used 5G platforms to control the epidemic.