Cabinet approves 4G mobile services in uncovered villages

Last year, the Government approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across five states. On this Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a call for saturation of government schemes. The Union Cabinet approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country at a total cost of Rs 26,316 crore. The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators, etc. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G. The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund. The project cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr includes capex and 5-year opex. The project is a significant step toward the vision of the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote the delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education, etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.