DoT invites industry stakeholder views on use of open APIs

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought industry stakeholder views for use of ‘open APIs for emerging technologies’ according to a letter dated October 12. The inputs have been requested as part of the National Digital Communications Policy-2018. 

The policy document proposes encouraging use of open APIs as part of adoption of new and emerging technologies. It does not, however, specify how the system of open API or application programming interface will be used. The section on the adoption of open APIs also mentions creating a roadmap for emerging technologies for use in 5G, artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, cloud computing and others.

The request for comments was shared with all telecom service providers (TSPs), industry associations including Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), software industry body NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), global association of mobile operators GSMA and others. 

 As part of the National Digital Communications Policy, the government had set goals for 2022 including inviting investments of $100 billion in the digital communications sector, expansion of the IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices among others. The policy also sought to regulate OTT (Over The Top) communication apps which was ruled out recently by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). 

The policy also promised fixed-line broadband services to 50% households by 2020. Part of the goal which was to provide 1Gbps to Gram Panchayats by 2022 under BharatNet has also been stalled due to restrictions on movement due to Covid-19. BharatNet Phase 2 which was expected to be completed by August 2021 has been delayed further.