This article provides a briefbackgroundhistory oftelecommunication in India before assessing the country’s position with regard to data management as 5G technology is being rolled out worldwide. India wishes to achieve sovereignty in the area of telecom while remaining open to competition between global firms in the sector. In 2018, the government crafted a national digital telecommunications policy that includes a “Propel India” mission to that effect. This paper also spells out potential benefits of 5G to the economy and its ability to modernise the country but points out the imperative to make it responsive to the needs of the poor and rural sections of the population.
