At the much-anticipated Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, a critical call to action resonated through the halls, delivered by Minister Scindia: connectivity must become universally affordable. His powerful address underscored a fundamental truth in our increasingly digital world: true inclusion remains an aspiration, not a reality, for far too many.
Minister Scindia emphatically highlighted the pressing need to bridge the persistent ‘usage gap’. This isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about ensuring that once networks are in place, people can actually afford to use them. He pointed out that while the spread of digital infrastructure continues to advance, the benefits often don’t reach everyone equally.
The core of his message revolved around the undeniable fact that the affordability of devices and services is paramount to achieving genuine digital inclusion. Imagine a world where the internet is a human right, but the entry ticket—a smartphone or a data plan—is out of reach for a significant portion of the population. This creates a two-tiered society, exacerbating existing inequalities rather than diminishing them.
Scindia’s remarks serve as a vital reminder to policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators alike: technology’s promise of empowerment can only be fully realized when it’s accessible to all, not just the privileged few. Making connectivity universally affordable isn’t just an economic imperative; it’s a social one, paving the way for education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and participation in the global digital landscape for everyone.
Source: Original Article
