Steps to Strengthen Telecom and Digital Communication Infrastructure
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The government has taken multiple steps to strengthen telecom and digital communication infrastructure, including 5G expansion, mobile network enhancement, and broadband connectivity in rural areas. This information was provided by the Minister of State for Communications in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 23, 2026.
Key facts
Centralized Right of Way (RoW) portal launched on May 14, 2022 to streamline permissions for laying optical fiber cables and installing telecom towers.
Telecommunication (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 to streamline RoW permissions and fees.
BharatNet project provides broadband connectivity to gram panchayats and villages.
4G saturation scheme aims to provide 4G mobile coverage to all uncovered villages.
Under 4G saturation project and other mobile projects funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), about 24,000 mobile towers installed across India by June 2026.
5G services launched in all states/UTs and available in 99.9% of districts; 5G BTS count increased from 1,40,623 (Mar 2023) to 5,62,971 (Jun 2026).
Bharat 6G Vision document released in March 2023 to design, develop and implement 6G technologies.
Under Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, 136 R&D projects approved with ~₹543 crore sanctioned, covering 6G, quantum communication, satellite networks, etc.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom and networking products notified on Feb 24, 2021 with outlay of ₹12,195 crore to boost domestic manufacturing.
Prelims pointers
- Right of Way (RoW) portal launched: May 14, 2022
- Telecommunication (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 under Telecommunications Act, 2023
- BharatNet project
- 4G saturation scheme
- Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)
- Bharat 6G Vision document: March 2023
- Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)
- PLI scheme for telecom: notified Feb 24, 2021, outlay ₹12,195 crore
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of telecom infrastructure in bridging the digital divide in India.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of government initiatives like BharatNet and 4G saturation in achieving universal connectivity.
- Analyze the significance of 5G and 6G vision for India's digital economy and global competitiveness.