India Digital Leap Climbing 11 Spots in Global Network Readiness
India Digital Leap: Climbing 11 Spots in Global Network Readiness. India has made significant progress in the digital world, as shown by its rise in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024. The country moved up to the 49th position from 60th in 2023, marking an impressive leap of eleven places. This advancement highlights India’s growing influence in digital transformation, largely due to strong government initiatives.
India Digital Leap Climbing 11 Spots in Global Network Readiness
Understanding the Network Readiness Index
The NRI evaluates how prepared countries are to use information and communication technologies (ICT) effectively. It assesses 133 economies based on four main pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, using 54 different variables to determine rankings.
Key Factors in India’s Rise
India’s improved score of 53.63 in 2024, up from 49.93 in 2023, reflects enhancements in technology, governance, and infrastructure. This progress results from strategic government policies aimed at boosting connectivity, innovation, and digital services across various sectors.
Notable Achievements
India’s performance in specific areas stands out:
- 1st Rank: AI Scientific Publications, AI Talent Concentration, and ICT Services Exports.
- 2nd Rank: Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Subscriptions, Mobile Broadband Internet Traffic, and International Internet Bandwidth.
- 3rd Rank: Domestic Market Scale.
- 4th Rank: Annual Investment in Telecommunication Services.
Additionally, India ranks 2nd among lower-middle-income countries, showcasing its leadership in digital advancement within its income group.
Government Initiatives Driving Digital Growth
Several key government initiatives have been instrumental in India’s digital transformation:
- Digital India Program: Launched on July 1, 2015, this program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It has significantly improved broadband access, especially in rural areas, and enhanced digital literacy, enabling millions to use digital tools and services.
- BharatNet Initiative: This project aims to connect all of India’s 2.5 lakh gram panchayats (village councils) with high-speed broadband, making internet access more widespread and bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
- 5G and Future Telecom Technologies: The launch of 5G services in 2022 has propelled India forward in mobile broadband, improving its global ranking in mobile broadband speed from 118th to 15th. The government’s commitment to expanding 5G infrastructure is evident through initiatives like the 5G Intelligent Village, aiming to bridge connectivity gaps in rural communities.
- National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018: This policy focuses on providing high-speed internet to all rural and urban areas, ensuring equal access to information and services across India.
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: Launched in 2021, this plan aims to create integrated infrastructure for seamless connectivity across the country, supporting both physical and digital infrastructure development.
- National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy: Recognizing the importance of AI, the government has launched a strategy to position India as a global leader in AI research and development, focusing on AI for social good in areas like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
- Skill Development and Digital Literacy Programs: Initiatives like Skill India and the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aim to equip the youth with relevant digital and technical skills, boosting digital literacy and preparing a new generation to drive technological advancement.
Conclusion
India’s significant rise in the Network Readiness Index 2024 reflects the country’s commitment to digital transformation. Through comprehensive government initiatives and strategic investments in technology and infrastructure, India is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the global digital landscape.
