NEW DELHI – A significant majority of Indians, 72%, express fear over online scams, prompting them to alter their digital habits, according to Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. This finding, based on a recent GSMA survey, highlights a burgeoning trust deficit that could impede India's ambitious digital economy goals.
Gorman, speaking on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi, underscored that nearly one in eight Indians had fallen victim to an online scam within the past year. While most victims report these incidents, many do not receive satisfactory resolutions, exacerbating the lack of trust.
Digital Trust: A Major Hurdle for Digital India
The GSMA's assessment comes as India positions itself as a global frontrunner in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, 5G expansion, and future 6G technologies. However, Gorman stressed that widespread concern about online fraud means more than two-thirds of the population are moderating their online engagement, directly challenging the vision of a robust digital India.
"As India sets a lofty vision for its digital economy and aims to lead in 6G, more than two-thirds of citizens are concerned about being online and are moderating their behaviour," said Julian Gorman.
For the mobile industry body, GSMA, digital trust has become the foremost concern. Gorman emphasized that online fraud not only impacts consumers but also businesses and government initiatives aimed at accelerating digital adoption across the nation.
Satellite Connectivity to Complement, Not Replace
Addressing the ongoing debate regarding satellite communications, Gorman clarified that satellite services like Starlink should be seen as complementary to existing terrestrial mobile networks. He noted that India's mobile broadband networks already cover over 98% of the population, leaving satellite services to bridge connectivity gaps primarily in remote or difficult-to-reach areas.
"Satellite is complementary to mobile technology. It'll help close that coverage gap, one or two percent, and maybe when people are working in remote areas or out in the ocean," he stated. Terrestrial mobile networks, he affirmed, will remain the backbone of connectivity for the foreseeable future.
Affordability and 6G Leadership
Gorman also touched upon the challenge of affordability in satellite broadband, especially in a market with some of the world's lowest telecom tariffs. He advocated for prioritizing efforts to bring more existing users onto mobile broadband networks rather than focusing solely on satellite expansion.
Regarding next-generation technologies, Gorman projected that global 6G standards would reach a significant milestone by 2028, with commercial deployments expected in the early 2030s. He acknowledged India's growing role in global telecom standard-setting but highlighted that true leadership requires fostering an entire innovation ecosystem, beyond just technical contributions.
Ultimately, the GSMA's central message for India is clear: while expanding connectivity and technological prowess in areas like AI, 5G, and 6G are vital, strengthening digital trust among its citizens may prove equally, if not more, crucial for achieving its digital ambitions.