Summary:
To boost telecommunications access in remote regions, the Government of India has introduced numerous initiatives under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). A key component is the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP), which aims to enhance mobile connectivity in the North Eastern Region andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, supported by a substantial allocation of Rs. 4,050 crore (US$ 469.20 million). With a financial allocation of Rs. 13,179 crore (US$ 1.53 billion), the mobile services program is making strides in enhancing connectivity across regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and designated Aspirational Districts. To ensure 4G coverage in previously unconnected villages, the 4G Saturation Project has been initiated with a notable investment of Rs. 26,300 crore (US$ 3.05 billion). Revised to strengthen internet infrastructure, the BharatNet project is extending broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages.
To expedite the rollout of 5G networks, the government has adopted measures like spectrum auctions, reforms in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and the removal of Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) for auctions held after 2022. The government has also launched the PM GatiShakti Sanchar portal, eased Right of Way (RoW) permissions and simplified the Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocations (SACFA) clearance process. Since its launch in October 2022, 5G has rapidly expanded with 4.69 lakh Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) established nationwide, including 2.95 lakh BTSs installed during FY24. India has accomplished one of the fastest global rollouts of 5G, with 99.6% of districts now having access to the service. These updates were detailed by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a written response to Lok Sabha.
Source: IBEF
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