India’s first 5G Training Labs, 5G Applications and 5G Experience Centre in health sector in all the eight North Eastern States were launched by G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Development of North East Region, Tourism, and Culture on Friday. The MDoNER informed that the project in Tech City, Bongora, Guwahati is centrally funded through North East Council (NEC) and being implemented by Assam Electronic Development Corporation (AMTRON), a PSU of Assam government.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Reddy emphasized the significance of the ambitious stride toward establishing a vibrant 5G digital ecosystem in the North East region. He highlighted how this technological advancement would unlock vast opportunities for growth and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The Union Minister further added that with a burgeoning 5G market slated to grow even further in the future, North Eastern States will be able to tap into this opportunity and enhance public delivery of services.
Reddy further affirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to establishing the North East as India’s new growth engine, with over 5 lakh crores invested in connectivity and infrastructure development in the region over the past nine and a half years.
MDoNER also informed that the event was graced by Minister of State B.L Verma, AMTRON Chairman, Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Secretary DoNER, Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, NEC Moses Chalai among other dignitaries.
MoS Verma lauded the initiative and said that the launch of 5G coupled with advancements in technology will be a defining move marking progress of the Ashtalakshmi States in this digital age, the ministry stated.
The Union Minister commended NEC and AMTRON for the establishment of India’s first-ever 5G labs in all eight North Eastern states, aligning with Finance Minister’s 2023-24 budget speech announcements. Besides being a bridge to the digital divide, these labs would also empower the youth with essential skills for the information age, fostering the growth of the knowledge economy in the North East, he said.
Highlighting the paramount significance of 5G in healthcare, the Minister emphasized its potential to provide last-mile access to high-quality healthcare and reduce medical expenses for the common man. Verma reiterated that 5G could be a pivotal tool in realizing the ‘Antyodaya’ vision of Prime Minister.
