Wired for the Future: TataCom's Alka Asthana Calls for a Stronger Digital Spine for India’s AI Rise

At the India Internet Service Providers Conclave and INNOG 2025 in New Delhi, Alka Asthana, Tata Communications’ Global Head of Regulatory, highlighted a pressing need for a more robust digital backbone to drive India’s ambitions in artificial intelligence (AI). While the world is captivated by AI algorithms and data science, Asthana pointed out that the true catalyst for digital transformation is the nation’s telecom infrastructure—its fiber networks, internet service providers (ISPs), and forward-thinking regulations.

 

She noted that more than 95% of global data is transmitted through fiber, not satellites, and that this infrastructure is rapidly advancing in India. Today’s fiber networks are becoming “agentic”—they can self-heal, monitor in real-time, and even sense environmental changes, like detecting ground movements to provide early warnings for landslides. These cutting-edge innovations are already being piloted across the country, enhancing not only digital services but also crucial safety measures in sectors such as transportation.

 

When discussing cybersecurity, Asthana mentioned the Cyber Security Operations Centers (CSOCs) that work alongside government bodies like C-DOT to shield businesses from the ever-evolving threats posed by AI. She advocated for regulatory flexibility, calling for policies that are adaptable to technology and supportive of industry growth, all while ensuring strong protections are in place.

 

Asthana expressed her optimism about India’s digital landscape, praising the country’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and skilled workforce. “AI won’t eliminate jobs,” she reassured, “but it will transform the nature of our work—pushing us to move beyond routine tasks and engage in more valuable thinking.” As India aims to establish itself as a leading digital-first economy, fortifying its digital backbone is essential for sustainable and competitive growth in AI.

 

Source: Businessworld, Tata Communications, IISPC-INNOG 2025