DoT, ITU sign LoI to collaborate on PhD Research
Published: Feb 18, 2025
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
NEW DELHI, FEB 18, 2025: THE Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in Geneva (Switzerland) today to initiate discussions on a collaborative PhD fellowship scheme in the field of telecommunications and associated emerging technologies. This initiative aims to strengthen India's contributions to global telecom research and standards by fostering closer ties between Indian academia and the ITU. The proposed scheme envisions supporting PhD fellowships over five years in the ITU focus areas.
The signing of LoI followed Secretary (Telecom), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, Dr. Neeraj Mittal's meeting with Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU and other key officials. Dr. Mittal is on an official visit to Geneva (Switzerland) to further strengthen India's global digital leadership and deepen engagements with key international stakeholders in the telecommunication sector.
Brief on the Proposed Initiative
India's rapidly expanding telecom sector, the second largest globally, requires continuous innovation. The ITU, a UN specialized agency, plays a key role in shaping global ICT standards. The collaboration between DoT and ITU seeks to align Indian research with ITU priorities, amplifying India's voice in global telecommunications, particularly for the benefit of developing nations.
The DoT will coordinate with ITU through a designated focal point, identify and support participating universities, provide feedback on research topics, grant fellowships to PhD scholars, and facilitate their engagement with ITU, including study visits. A government-nominated member of their university's advisory committee will supervise scholars.
Exploring Academia and Global Telecom Standards
With the signing of the LoI, the Government of India and ITU have expressed their intent to establish a collaborative initiative that encourages PhD scholars from premier Indian institutions to conduct research in strategic areas relevant to ITU Study Groups or priority areas . This partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange between Indian researchers and global telecom experts, ensuring that Indian innovations contribute to the development of future telecom technologies and international standards.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Collaboration
International Exposure: Indian scholars will have opportunities to engage with ITU experts, participate in ITU Study Group meetings, and present research at international forums.
Institutional Collaboration: Participating Indian institutions will receive Government of India sponsored ITU-academia membership, providing access to ITU's extensive research resources, databases, and global academic networks.
Guided Research: Scholars will work under the co-supervision of ITU-appointed experts and a DoT-nominated member in their Research Advisory Committee (RAC) to align their work with global research priorities.
Strengthening India's Role in Global Telecom Research
India's telecom sector is evolving rapidly with advancements in 5G, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and quantum computing . By aligning PhD research with ITU's focus areas , this proposed scheme will enhance India's presence in the global telecom standardization and policy-setting ecosystem.
Welcoming the signing of LoI, Dr. Neeraj Mittal said, "The signing of this LoI with ITU is a significant step toward fostering cutting-edge research and positioning India as a key contributor to global telecom standards. Through this collaboration, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India aims to empower Indian researchers and institutions to drive innovation in telecom technologies of the future".
Key Benefits of the Collaboration
This collaboration offers significant advantages for all stakeholders:
For DoT: Supports research aligned with national telecom goals, facilitating universal connectivity and ensuring India's perspective in global standard-setting.
For ITU: Enables closer engagement with Indian academia, accessing a rich pool of research talent and valuable insights.
For Research Scholars: Provides invaluable experience through interactions with ITU experts, access to global resources, and opportunities for international collaboration.
Way Forward: Positioning India as a Leader in Telecom Standardization
The signing of the LoI marks the beginning of discussions on the specific details of the fellowship scheme, including potential deliverables, timelines, and implementation strategies. Both DoT and ITU recognize the importance of this collaboration in advancing telecom research and fostering cutting-edge technological innovations that benefit both India and the global community. By engaging with ITU's key research priority areas, India aims to strengthen its capabilities in emerging telecom technologies, enhancing its role as a leader in global telecom research and standardization. This initiative will help India shape the future of telecommunications, ensuring its active participation in defining global standards and policies.
