“Mobile internet is a life-changing, world-changing technology of this century,” says Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani who is making headlines for his much-awaited Reliance Jio, which, in his words, is a step towards converting Modi’s digital India vision into a reality. Excerpts from a TOI interview...
‘Make in India’ a right move
The whole world tells me in my interactions that this is a very sincere attempt in terms of making things right and these are absolutely the right things to do. So, at least, having identified them, there is confidence that we will get them done.
Mobile internet: a game changer
I believe 50 years from now when you write history, one technology that would have changed human civilisation is going to be the mobile internet. In 2011 it was hazy. In 2002, it was even hazier. But today, I have no doubts, the world has no doubts, that mobile internet is a life-changing, world-changing technology of this century. Yes, it will evolve into many different things. But as a core technology, it is a huge opportunity. And only the people who take some risks will reap rewards. Mobile internet has won the world over. Companies that had bet on mobile internet have created the largest value in the last 10 years.
Economy Growing
India is the fastest-growing economy in the world. Overall, you have to think of this in the background of what I call radical changes in the world. So, the global economy itself — globalisation, automation, digitisation — is hugely undergoing a change and, within that, we’re outshining everyone. The PM’s visionary initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Startup India, etc, have energised the nation. And, I see this only improving, with a good monsoon; with all the GST reforms we have done in the last session, the world cannot ignore India.
Let’s change our internet access
We as Indians cannot and should not accept the fact that we are 155th in the world out of 230 countries in broadband and mobile internet access. We have to change this. Just as, for a country of 1.2 billion, it is not acceptable that we win only two Olympic medals. For us and the next generation, this has to be unacceptable. The important thing is to figure out what we can do to correct the situation today. Jio will enable India to be among the top 10 countries in broadband and internet access within the next few years.
Let’s work together
India is a very big country and no one company or one individual can do it. It is time for us to make sure that we deliver the vision of our PM for giving Digital India to 1.2 billion Indians. We have an opportunity to lead India into this digital world.
Tech a driver of change
I have always believed that technology drives human civilisation’s endeavour and progress. So if you ask what is my obsession, it is technology. In the 1970s it was technology in chemical engineering – the whole question of building Reliance from a textile company to an energy major. It’s the thought of the future that drives me. My obsession is with technology and how it can improve human life. In my view, what we have seen in the last 300 years is only a trailer. The next 20 years will overshadow the last 300 years – to the extent that we would not be able to fathom today.
Does technology drive human civilisation’s endeavour and progress? Please share with us your views.