No.PR-148 June 29, 2020 New Delhi Single Minded Investment in Digital Infrastructure is the need of the hour; Dr R S Sharma, Chair, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Intending to create awareness about the importance of telecom sector in Covid-19, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted an interactive session on “Telecom Sector in Covid-19- Now, Next and After, with Dr R S Sharma, Chair, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), on 29th June,2020. Dr R S Sharma in his opening remarks thanked PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry for providing this opportunity and being supportive and organising the required interactive session in these changing times of digitization. While worrying about the unprecedented situation of Covid-19 where the number of cases are increasing day in and day out, he stated that the government has taken slew of measures to contain the spread and impact of covid-19 in the country. Dr Sharma highlighted the importance of technology through virtual platforms, which has been the prime reason that we are able to sail through this period of isolation with such ease, in the current situation of crises across the country. He added that Telecommunication is a platform of service which helps to connect people across the globe, India is in need technology and thus it is the need of the hour to deploy innovative technology and Digital Infrastructure in our system. Further, he concluded with supporting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by connecting homes through digitalisation and the motto of Vocal for Local. Dr D K Aggarwal, President, PHD Chamber in his presidential address extended warm welcome to with Dr R S Sharma, Chair, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). He highlighted that India has the 2nd largest telecom network and acted as a life saver to connect the business and world across the nations during Covid-19. He added that telecom sector is a big hope for the industry and the arena will leverage as a big super power for India, among nations. Mr Sandeep Aggarwal, Chair, Telecom Committee, PHD Chamber, said that the outbreak of Corona Virus has impacted businesses & supply chain disruptions. He mentioned that the need of the hour is to ensure broadband connectivity to urban as well as rural sectors. Further, he urged to buy 20% of the 4G equipment from Indian manufacturers to promote the PM’s motto of Vocal se Local and Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Mr Sanjay Aggarwal, Sr. Vice President, PHD Chamber while presenting the formal vote of thanks stated that telecom sector is thrust into limelight in this unprecedented situation of crises. He stated that Digital sovereignty is important in the Industry 4.0 and we must ensure investment to promote into the sector to provide opportunity for domestic players in the segment. The Session was sponsored by Paramount Communications Ltd, Idemia Syscom india Pvt. Ltd and Superior Drinks Pvt. Ltd.. The session was attended by Mr Alok Mukherjee, Co-Chair, Telecom Committee, PHD Chamber and Mr Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber and received extensive participation of more than 150 industry stalwarts Pan-India.The session was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Principal Director, PHD Chamber . Ends Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry