Significant step towards the vision of the Govt to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas

New Delhi: “Digital inclusion and connectivity for all” is an integral part of ‘antyodaya’ vision of the Government. In his Independence Day address in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a call for saturation of government schemes.

The Union Cabinet on 27.07.2022 had approved the project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country.

1. The total cost of Project is Rs. 26,316 Crores.

2. The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villagesin remote and difficult areas.

3. The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc.

4. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.

Last year Government approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across 5 states.

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 Crores includes capex and 5 year opex.

BSNL is already in process of deployment of Atmanirbhar 4G technology stack, which will be deployed in this project as well.

The project is a significant step towards the vision of the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking, tele-medicine, tele-education etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.