New Delhi, Feb 13
The Government of India is taking significant steps to enhance broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas through multiple initiatives, including the launch of National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 from April 1, 2025.
Key Initiatives for Faster Broadband in Rural India
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Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal (Launched on May 14, 2022): Streamlined Right of Way (RoW) permissions to speed up Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) laying and telecom tower setup, reducing approval time for telecom infrastructure projects.
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Telecommunications Act 2023 & Right of Way (RoW) Rules 2024: Effective from January 1, 2025, these measures ensure uniform RoW charges nationwide, accelerating the deployment of telecom infrastructure across the country.
National Broadband Mission 2.0 – Key Focus Areas
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Satellite Broadband Expansion: The government is promoting satellite internet services in rural and remote areas to provide faster internet.
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Using Optical Ground Wire (OPGW): The government is working with the Ministry of Power to use OPGW networks from the power sector to improve internet connection in hilly and remote regions.
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Initiatives
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Bharat Net Project
- Aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages.
- As of January 13, 2025, 2,14,323 GPs are service-ready.
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High-Speed Internet & Mobile Services in Remote Areas
- Deployment of 4G/5G connectivity in:
- Northeast India
- Islands
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected regions
- Aspirational Districts
- Border villages
- Deployment of 4G/5G connectivity in:
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Submarine Optical Fiber Cable Projects
- Chennai – Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2312 km)
- Kochi – Lakshadweep (1869 km)
- Enables faster 4G/5G rollout in island regions.
PM Gati Shakti & Bharat Net Expansion
- Telecom assets mapped on the PM Gati Shakti (PMGS) National Master Plan (NMP) platform alongside 1,600+ data layers from various ministries.
- Effective planning for future Bharat Net projects through integrated digital infrastructure.
These initiatives reflect the Government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, improving rural connectivity, and enabling Digital India’s growth.
