COAI Appoints New Leadership and Reviews Digital Communications Progress
In a significant event for India’s digital communications sector, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) held its Annual General Meeting in New Delhi on June 18, 2023, marking its agenda for the upcoming fiscal year of 2025-26. The meeting gathered industry members to discuss key developments, set priorities, and plan the path forward to strengthen India’s digital communications landscape.
New Leaders for the Year Ahead
During the meeting, COAI announced its leadership team for 2026-27. Rahul Vatts, who serves as the Group Chief Regulatory Officer and Director of Corporate Affairs at Bharti Airtel, has been elected as the new Chairperson. He is succeeded by Dr. Ravi P. Gandhi, Chief Regulatory Officer at Reliance Jio, who will take on the role of Vice-Chairperson.
Rahul Vatts brings nearly 30 years of experience in the telecom sector, where he has played a crucial role in government relations, policy-making, and regulatory affairs in areas including mobility and broadband. He is also involved with the GSMA’s Spectrum Policy Working Group.
Dr. Ravi P. Gandhi, with over 30 years in telecom regulation and network operations, has previously held significant roles in governmental organizations. He holds a Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, emphasizing his academic credentials and expertise.
Insights on the Sector’s Future
Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, the Director General of COAI, highlighted the transformative phase of India’s telecom industry. He stated that as digital communication infrastructure grows, it will become central to the nation’s digital economy. With advancements like AI, 5G, and upcoming 6G technologies, the telecom sector is set to enhance innovation, inclusivity, and economic growth.
Dr. Kochhar emphasized COAI’s commitment to collaborating with government bodies, regulators, and industry players to establish secure and resilient communications infrastructure. The organization reaffirmed its dedication to proactive policy engagement to support India’s ambitions in becoming a competitive force in the global digital economy.
