India’s National Telecom Policy 2025: Ambitious Goals for Connectivity
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has unveiled its draft National Telecom Policy 2025 with ambitious targets to enhance digital infrastructure and connectivity.
The policy aims for universal 4G and 5G coverage by 2030, with a focus on rural fiber upgrades and innovation in 6G technology. It also emphasizes boosting manufacturing and investment in the telecom sector.
One of the key objectives outlined includes increasing fiber coverage to 80% for telecom towers and achieving full fiber connectivity for all Gram Panchayats under the BharatNet program.
The policy also introduces plans to support mobile network expansion in underserved areas and promote fixed-line broadband adoption.
Moreover, there are provisions for aligning service standards with global benchmarks, enhancing network coverage transparency, and promoting domestic manufacturing in the telecom industry.
The DoT’s initiative aims to double the telecom sector’s GDP contribution and attract $11.5 billion in annual investments.
In addition, the DoT has introduced stringent security guidelines for satellite communication providers, highlighting the importance of national security in the rapidly evolving satcom market.
Compliance with the new regulations, including data localization and integration with India’s NavIC system, is mandatory for all operators in the satellite communication sector.
This development coincides with the entry of major global players like Starlink, Project Kuiper, and Eutelsat-OneWeb into the Indian market, signaling a growing interest in satellite-based connectivity.
