India’s National Telecom Policy 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has unveiled its ambitious National Telecom Policy 2025, with a strong focus on enhancing connectivity and digital infrastructure throughout the nation.
Key Highlights of the Policy:
The policy sets remarkable goals for India, aiming for complete 4G coverage and 90% 5G coverage by 2030. It emphasizes significant improvements in rural fiber infrastructure and envisions India as a major player in 6G research and development.
To boost investment and manufacturing, the policy introduces a Telecom Manufacturing Zone and initiatives to attract $11.5 billion in annual investment.
Connectivity Objectives:
Key objectives include doubling telecom exports and startups, enhancing India’s position in global telecom research, and improving rural connectivity. Plans involve expanding fiber coverage, achieving 100% fiber connectivity for Gram Panchayats, and connecting all village-level government institutions with fiber.
The policy prioritizes closing service gaps, supporting mobile network expansion in underserved areas, and promoting fixed-line broadband adoption.
Innovation and Growth:
India aims to secure a top-10 global position in 6G R&D, with a goal of holding 10% of 6G-related intellectual property rights. The policy also focuses on boosting domestic telecom manufacturing, import substitution, and streamlining compliance and spectrum allocation processes.
Sector Development and Security Guidelines:
The DoT introduces new security guidelines for satellite communication providers to enhance national defenses and regulate the rapidly growing satcom market in India. Operators must comply with stringent security measures, including data localization, real-time monitoring, and integration with India’s indigenous NavIC system.
The updated framework coincides with the entry of major global players into India’s satellite connectivity market.
