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Government Enhances Telecom Services Across India: Major Steps in the Last 5 Years

Key Highlights
  • Over 20,000 mobile towers deployed under various schemes.
  • BharatNet to provide broadband connectivity to 3.8 lakh additional villages.
  • ₹1.39 lakh crore allocated for network upgrades and rural expansion.
  • Revised quality benchmarks to improve service delivery.
  • Expedited clearance for telecom infrastructure through GatiShakti portal.
Telecom Services in India
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has significantly bolstered the quality and reach of telecommunications services across India over the last five years. Key initiatives under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (formerly USOF) have improved connectivity in remote and rural areas, bringing high-speed internet and mobile services to underserved regions.

Transformative Projects for Nationwide Connectivity

1. Expanding Mobile Services in Priority Areas

The government has launched targeted schemes to provide mobile coverage in:

  • Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas: Over 3,609 towers installed at a cost of ₹4,637 crore.
  • Border areas and priority regions: 585 towers installed at ₹1,546 crore.
  • Aspirational Districts: 3,928 towers established at ₹4,099 crore.

2. 4G Saturation Scheme

This flagship program aims to cover all uncovered villages with 4G connectivity, installing 17,901 mobile towers at an investment of ₹30,620 crore.

3. Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP)

Special focus has been placed on:

  • North Eastern Region: Deployment of 1,216 towers at ₹2,227 crore.
  • Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands: Installation of 125 towers with an allocation of ₹166 crore.

4. BharatNet Project

Under the ambitious BharatNet initiative, broadband connectivity is being extended to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages across India. As of October 2024:

  • 2,14,283 GPs are service-ready.
  • The government has approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), ensuring upgrades to the Phase-I and Phase-II networks and extending connectivity to 3.8 lakh non-GP villages. This initiative has an overall budget of ₹1.39 lakh crore.

Quality and Regulatory Enhancements

  • Revised Quality of Service Benchmarks: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has updated service parameters to ensure better customer experiences.
  • Spectrum Auctions: Significant access spectrum was allocated in 2021, 2022, and 2024 to improve telecom services.
  • Right of Way (RoW) Rules and GatiShakti Sanchar Portal: These measures have expedited telecom infrastructure development approvals.
  • Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Restrictions Lifted: Removal of restrictions in border areas has enhanced mobile coverage in these regions.
These efforts ensure that citizens in remote, rural, and border areas have access to reliable telecom services, driving digital inclusion and socio-economic development. The government remains committed to strengthening India’s digital backbone and enabling better connectivity for all.

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