What happened: policy and implementation steps for telecom and digital infrastructure
The Government, through the Ministry of Communications, announced a set of steps to strengthen telecommunications and digital communication infrastructure. The measures span regulatory reform for faster infrastructure deployment (optical fibre cables and telecom towers), expansion of broadband and mobile coverage in rural and remote areas, nationwide 5G rollout, and longer-horizon technology development and domestic manufacturing support.
What happened: Right of Way (RoW) reforms and deployment acceleration
The Government cited two RoW-related interventions aimed at streamlining permissions and applicable charges for laying telecom infrastructure. These include the launch of a centralized Right of Way portal and the issuance of Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
What happened: connectivity programmes for rural and remote areas
The Government also highlighted connectivity projects intended to expand broadband and mobile coverage. These include the BharatNet project for broadband connectivity in Gram Panchayats and villages, and the 4G Saturation scheme aimed at providing 4G mobile coverage in uncovered villages.
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