Budget 2017: IT, telecom players expect more for cyber security, broadband

In govt's digitisation push, see see scope for better backbone to provide secure digital ecosystem

Budget 2017 : With the government's push for digitisation across the board, the information & technology and telecom players are expecting a Union Budget that will try to strengthen cyber security and make broadband available to all that will in turn catalyse digital payments.

"As India digitalises rapidly, holistic approach to cyber security is a pre-requisite to foster and sustain trust of all the stakeholders -- consumers, businesses as well as government," said Sanjay Rohatgi, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan, Symantec.

"The government should consider setting aside at least eight per cent of its overall IT budget specifically for cyber security starting with the upcoming budget," Rohatgi said.

After the demonetisation in November 2016, the Indian government is trying hard to change over the country's cash-based economy to a digital one.

To succeed in this mission, the country needs good broadband connectivity throughout the length and breadth of it.

"Given the government's focus on increasing broadband connectivity, especially in the rural pockets and push towards making India a less cash-dependent society, some measures should be announced to boost the broadband penetration in the rural parts of the country," the ICRA said.

"Infrastructure companies should be encouraged to install towers in rural areas and telecom operators should be incentivised to improve network connectivity in those areas.

"Steps like allocation of more finances in a centralised fund to boost infrastructure creation in rural areas or providing some tax waivers could be initiated," the investment information and credit rating agency added. Read more