National Communications Academy (NCA), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and GSMA Sign MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Telecom Policy, Research and Capacity Building

NCA, DoT and GSMA Forge Strategic Partnership for Policy development, Research and Training in Telecommunications Sector

8 October 2025, New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), National Communications Academy (NCA), and the GSM Association (GSMA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, New Delhi, in the presence of the Hon'ble Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and Secretary (Telecom), Dr. Neeraj Mittal.

The MoU was formally signed by Mr. Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA, and Mr. Atul Sinha, Director General, NCA. Mr. John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), GSMA, and Mr. Julian Gorman, Head of APAC, GSMA, were also present on the occasion.

The MoU establishes a broad framework for cooperation between NCA and GSMA in the areas of policy development, research, training, and capacity building in the telecommunications sector. The collaboration aims to strengthen India's Digital India vision by enhancing institutional capacities, advancing regulatory best practices, and promoting the adoption of next-generation technologies for sustainable digital transformation.

Under the partnership, NCA and GSMA will work together to:

• Undertake joint research, analysis, and training initiatives to promote digital inclusion and socio-economic development, focusing on bridging the digital divide, fostering sustainability, and supporting India's growth as a digital economy.
• Collaborate on emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), quantum communications, and spectrum management.
• Facilitate workshops, knowledge-sharing programs, and international exposure to build leadership and expertise in telecom policy and regulation.

This partnership is expected to further enhance India's participation in global telecom standards and policy forums, while contributing to the country's goals of self-reliance and innovation in the telecommunications sector.

Sh. Atul Sinha DG NCA-T in his opening remarks highlighted that "Today we formalize a partnership that is simple in its design yet transformative in its promise: to build the next generation of policy and regulatory capability for India's digital communications sector-at scale, with speed, and to global standards. This MoU matters, because networks are no longer mere utilities; they are the operating system of our economy-powering inclusion, innovation, public services, and national security."

Speaking on the occasion Sh. Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA, said: "We're delighted to be working with the National Communications Academy and Department of Telecommunications to drive forward this joint commitment to policy, training, and capacity building. It's a crucial step for realising Digital India's vision and together, we aim to strengthen the nation's leadership in digital innovation and bring the benefits of mobile technology to millions."

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