6.2.2. Global Communications

Important advances in technology and the world’s telecommunications infrastructure has led to revolutionary changes in global communication.

This chunk discusses how developments in technology have significantly changed how we communicate on a global scale. With advancements like telephones, fax machines, digital and cable television, and the Internet, communication has become faster and more efficient. As a result, people can talk and share documents instantly across great distances.

Imagine trying to send a letter through traditional mail that takes weeks to arrive versus sending an email that reaches the recipient in seconds. This shift mirrors the transformation brought by new communications technology.

Some homes and many offices now have multiple links to the outside world, including telephones (landlines and mobiles), fax machines, digital and cable television, electronic mail and the Internet. Some of you may find many such places. Some of you may not. This is indicative of what is often termed as the digital divide in our country.

The 'digital divide' refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. While some people enjoy multiple technological connections in their homes and offices, others lack basic access, highlighting disparities in technology availability and usage.

Consider how urban students might have smartphones and Wi-Fi access for their studies while rural students may rely on libraries with limited resources. This illustrates how socio-economic factors influence access to technology.

Despite this digital divide, these forms of technology do facilitate the ‘compression’ of time and space. Two individuals located on opposite sides of the planet – in Bengaluru and New York – not only can talk, but also send documents and images to one another with the help of satellite technology.

The concept of 'compression of time and space' means that geographical and temporal distances matter less due to advancements in communication. This allows people from different parts of the world to interact instantly, transcending previous limitations of travel and communication.

Think of how businesses can hold meetings with team members across continents at the same time through video conferencing, making it feel as if everyone is in the same room regardless of their actual physical location.

To create global interconnectedness more efficiently, the Government of India has initiated an ambitious programme in the form of ‘Digital India’, in which every exchange will incorporate digitisation.

The 'Digital India' initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. By promoting digital infrastructure, enhancing internet connectivity, and ensuring governmental services are digitized, this program seeks to keep pace with global communications trends.

Think of how local governments can now provide public services like applying for licenses online, streamlining processes that once required physical paperwork and multiple trips to government offices.

Cellular telephony has also grown enormously and cell phones are a part of the self for most urban-based middle class youth.

The rapid growth of mobile phones has significantly influenced communication patterns, especially among the urban middle class. Mobile phones are not just tools for calling; they are central to social interactions, internet access, and a variety of services.

Imagine how teenagers rely on their phones not just for communication with friends but also for access to social media, gaming, and online learning, making it a crucial part of their daily lives.

Globally, the use of the Internet increased phenomenally in the 1990s. In 1998, there were 70 million Internet users worldwide. By 2000, the number of Internet users had risen to 325 million. India had 3 million Internet subscribers and 15 million users by 2000, and this has now increased to 700 million.

This statistic illustrates the exponential growth of internet usage over a few decades, highlighting how quickly technology can spread across the globe. In India alone, the jump from just a few million users to hundreds of millions demonstrates the increasing integration of technology into daily life.

Consider how the rise of social media platforms has changed how people communicate, share information, and even influence societal trends, reflecting this dramatic increase in internet accessibility.

According to a study in 2017–18, one in ten households have a computer at home. About a quarter of all homes have internet connectivity via mobile phone or other devices. The figures themselves indicate the digital divide that continues to prevail in the country despite the rapid spread of computers.

Despite the rapid advancements in digital technology, significant disparities remain in access. The fact that only a fraction of households have computers highlights ongoing inequalities in digital access, particularly between urban and rural areas.

Think about rural schools that lack computers or internet access, limiting students' ability to learn digitally, while urban schools might be fully equipped with tech resources for every student.

When India gained Independence in 1947, the new nation had 84,000 telephone lines for its population of 350 million. ... By 2000, some 650,000 public call offices (PCOs) provided reliable telephone service...

This chunk traces the historical development of India's telecommunications infrastructure from Independence to the 2000s. The significant increase in the number of telephone lines and facilities reflects tremendous governmental effort to improve communication services across the country.

Envision a small village today with access to modern communication through public call offices and mobile technology, allowing families to connect with relatives far away, a stark contrast to the post-independence era.

The emergence of PCOs satisfies the strong Indian socio-cultural need of keeping in touch with family members. ... Not surprisingly, most advertisements for telephony service show mothers talking to their sons and daughters, or grandparents talking to their grandchildren.

The growth of telecommunication services, especially through public call offices, reflects and satisfies cultural values of family and community in India. It highlights the importance of familial bonds and the desire for connectedness.

Think about how families in rural areas make calls to check on their loved ones in cities, using phones to maintain strong family ties, showcasing not just technology's functionality but also its role in fostering relationships.

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