Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024)
Context
Recently, India made remarkable progress in the global digital landscape by climbing 11 positions to rank 49th in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024).
- This is a significant leap from its 60th position in 2023, highlighting the nation’s growing strength in technological advancements and digital transformation.
- The NRI report, published by the Portulans Institute, evaluates 133 countries on four key pillars: technology, people, governance, and impact.
- India’s improved performance reflects its strides in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), broadband connectivity, and ICT exports, placing it among the global frontrunners in these domains.
Key Highlights
- India is now ranked 49th globally in the NRI 2024, up from 60th in 2023.
- Its overall score has improved from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024.
- Global Leadership:
- 1st Rank in:
- AI scientific publications.
- AI talent concentration.
- ICT services exports.
- 2nd Rank in:
- FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home)/Building Internet subscriptions.
- Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country.
- International Internet bandwidth.
- 3rd Rank in Domestic Market Scale.
- 4th Rank in Annual Investment in Telecommunication Services.
Income Group Performance: Among lower-middle-income countries, India is ranked 2nd, trailing only Vietnam.
Technological and Digital Advancements
- Telecommunication Growth:
- Teledensity rose from 75.2% a decade ago to 84.69% in 2024.
- Wireless connections surged to 119 crore, reflecting a digitally connected population.
- Broadband Expansion:
- Broadband access expanded significantly, especially in rural areas.
- Internet subscribers grew from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, fuelled by government-private sector collaborations under Digital India.
- 5G Revolution:
- 5G services launched in 2022 catapulted India’s global mobile broadband speed ranking from 118 to 15.
Future Vision
- Bharat 6G Vision: India is investing in emerging telecom technologies and aiming for leadership in future innovations.
- Infrastructure and Reforms:
- Reforms in spectrum management, ease of doing business, and consumer protection have bolstered the sector.
- Focus on robust infrastructure and high data capabilities has solidified India’s digital progress.
Conclusion
India’s ascent in the Network Readiness Index 2024 showcases its rapid digital transformation and growing technological capabilities. From AI to broadband connectivity, the country is setting global benchmarks while empowering citizens with seamless access to digital resources. With initiatives like Bharat 6G Vision, India is poised to further strengthen its position as a global digital leader, paving the way for sustained economic growth and innovation.
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