Value of pandemic-proof industries
With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, preventive measures taken to contain its’ spread have caused most countries to impose lockdowns and curfews.the isolation and restricted mobility of people has had a tremendous socio-economic impact on countries. Overall business activity is experiencing a slump
with revenue losses and business plans going awry.the social impact is equally dampening as people have to abide by social distancing and restricted human networking. In this scenario, we witness the phenomenal contribution being made by the IT and telecom sectors. Innovative platforms like Facebook,
Twitter, Webinar and other apps have been invaluable in keeping people connected. Technology-driven smart options have gained momentum amid people being obsessed with the pandemic. We have seen academics, professionals, business leaders and intellectuals sharing thought-provoking messages from their respective disciplines, gaining full advantage through smart options. Tips on management, healthy lifestyles, perspectives on bracing for new challenges and other absorbing topics are being shared. The much-touted catch phrase ‘new normal’ to a great extent is supported by innovative solutions like remote working through virtual office operations. Interventions of this nature - that were previously experimented - can now be sustained as they don’t require in-person collaboration. Some employers have found this arrangement immensely successful. The infrastructure backbone that supports these service providers plays a crucial role. The telecommunications sector is looked upon largely as a pandemic-proof industry as self-isolating people and businesses are expected to stay connected, share information, and conduct virtual meetings. Financial transactions, mobile reloads, bill payments for utilities, online and instore shopping payments are the benefits of digital inclusivity. In these challenging times a robust infrastructure is the backbone for connectivity. It plays a crucial role to combat the spread of the disease by stimulating social interaction while observing social distancing.
DON PETER DEHIWALA