India Boosts Connectivity Through Digital Bharat Nidhi

21 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Government of India is ramping up telecommunications connectivity with several key initiatives under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN):

Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP): Targeting the North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep with an investment of Rs 40.5 billion ($469.2 million). Mobile Services Scheme: Focused on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas and Aspirational Districts, with funding of Rs 131.79 billion ($1.53 billion). 4G Saturation Project: Aiming to provide 4G connectivity to uncovered villages with an investment of Rs 263 billion ($3.05 billion). BharatNet Project: Ensuring broadband access to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages.

To accelerate 5G deployment, the government has taken steps like spectrum auctions, financial reforms for AGR, removal of SUC for auctions post-2022, and simplifying clearance processes.

Since the launch of 5G in October 2022, India has installed 469,000 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), with 295,000 BTSs deployed in FY24 alone. Currently, 99.6% of districts in India have access to 5G services, marking one of the world's fastest rollouts.

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