The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is planning to hold discussions with stakeholders to prepare a roadmap for the implementation of the National Digital Communications Policy 2018.

“We are readying ourselves and consult stakeholders on the policy aspects that requires attention,” Trai chairman Ram Sewak Sharma said, adding that the newly-approved National Digital Communications Policy also contained proposals put forth by the sector regulator.

The new policy, according to him, clearly lays down principles for the Digital India of tomorrow and the fifth-generation (5G) technology.

On Wednesday, the Cabinet has approved the National Digital Communications Policy 2018 that aims to attract $100 billion worth of investment and create as many as 40 lakh new jobs by 2022 in the sector.

The new policy also seeks to ensure broadband coverage to uncovered regions with every citizen to be provided with connectivity of up to 50 mbps. Gram Panchayats or village blocks, according to the government, would be provided with up to 1 gbps connectivity by 2020 and 10 gbps by 2022.

The Narendra Modi-led NDA government, as per the National Digital Communications Policy 2018, also wanted to establish the National Fibre Authority (NFA) and the National Digital Grid (NDG).

The new policy also seeks to create common service ducts and utility corridors in cities and national highway projects.

“There are multiple opportunities to create common infrastructure. Common ducts should also be implemented,” Trai’s top official added.

In early 2017, the watchdog has conducted in Jharkhand’s Deoghar with an aim to offer a common duct for at least 20 years.

The initiative, according to the Trai, would allow infrastructure providers to deploy a common terminal or box for optic fibre and digital TV cable with an objective to mitigate Right-of-Way issues.

Telecom infrastructure, including fiberisation, according to him, would be critical part of the delivery of digital services in the country.

Sharma also said that an interesting situation has occurred, as there is no recommendation ‘pending’ with the government currently, and unlike past, it was an historical achievement of the current dispensation.