The telecom sector players are not spending much on standardisation and an institutional mechanism is much needed to develop standards, the department of telecom additonal secretary Anshu Prakash Friday said.

"Industry is not investing much in standardisation which may be due to the fact it being a heavy-cost exercise, and shying away from developing standards," Prakash said, addressing an event on the occasion of World Telecom Day in New Delhi.

The theme of this year is bridging the standardisation gap, and the event was organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The top official said that the country must develop an institutional framework and articulate practices, and that requires coordination among various agencies.

The industry should work with the government and rope in academic institutions and civil society," he added.

Different countries, according to him, have different access, and while during the implementation of standards, the issue of interoperability arises.

We need to exercise influence on global bodies, the official added.

Over the years India's participation in forums worldwide has increased and in the race of fifth generation (5G) technology, the country has gained notable attention.

"We are one of the biggest telecom markets in the world, Prakash said, adding that with 5G coming, the use of telecom technology would not only be restricted to voice, data or videos, but inter-sectoral applications in the areas of agriculture and healthcare would surface.

The size of the people or potential consumers who use newer technology would be huge, he added.

Former telecom secretary and Broadband India Forum chairman MF Farooqui said that standardisation is tough and challenging, and that has become more demanding.

"Today, standardisation has to be far-sighted, keeping in mind the demand for the future," he said, adding that the standardisation stifles innovation.

Farooqui also said that there was a challenge, how to balance innovation and standardisation, and eventually, concerns related to security arises.