In the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology, India’s telecommunications sector has emerged as a transformative powerhouse in 2024. Contributing 6.5 per cent to the national GDP and projecting a market value of $69.62 billion by 2029, the nation has positioned itself at the forefront of a digital revolution that promises to reshape economic and social landscapes. The world’s second-largest telecom market has demonstrated unprecedented growth, driven by strategic policy interventions, technological innovations, and a visionary approach to digital transformation. Remarkable connectivity milestones underscored this transformation: the number of broadband subscribers surged from 480 million in September 2018 to 940 million in June 2024, while data usage dramatically increased from 8.32 GB per month to 21.30 GB per month. The average tariff per GB of wireless data decreased from Rs 10.91 to Rs 8.31, making digital connectivity more accessible than ever before.

Building digital excellence: A comprehensive network transformation

The digital infrastructure of India underwent a remarkable metamorphosis in 2024, transcending traditional connectivity boundaries. With a telephone subscriber base reaching 1,203.69 million, the country’s network now boasts 0.81 million towers, 2.9 million base transceiver stations (BTS), an impressive 4.1 million kilometres of fibre optic cable coverage and 85.43 per cent of Tele-density. This robust infrastructure has enabled near-ubiquitous connectivity, supporting 99 per cent 4G coverage across more than 0.6 million villages. The transformation is not merely about numbers, but about creating a digital ecosystem that empowers millions of Indians across urban and rural landscapes.

Transformative policy landscape: regulatory renaissance

The year 2024 witnessed a ground-breaking regulatory overhaul that set the stage for unprecedented digital growth. The Telecommunications Act 2023 and Right of Way (RoW) Rules 2024 emerged as pivotal legislative frameworks, modernising the telecom sector’s regulatory environment.

Telecommunications Act, 2023: ushering in a new era of connectivity:

The Telecommunications Act, 2023, introduced after 135 years since the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, represents a landmark shift in India’s telecom legislation. The Act replaces and modernises outdated legislations from the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, creating a comprehensive framework to address the evolving needs of the telecom sector. By integrating these two historical legislations, the Act addresses technological advancements and aligns with the principles of Samavesh (inclusion), Suraksha (security), Vriddhi (growth), and Tvarit (responsiveness) to support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India). Key features include streamlined RoW framework, shared cable corridors, expanded Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), user protection measures, and a regulatory sandbox for innovation.

Telecommunications RoW Rules, 2024:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced the Telecommunications RoW rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Effective January 1, 2025, these rules regulate the setup, operation, and maintenance of underground telecom infrastructure on public property. By replacing the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016 with subsequent rules 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the Indian Telegraph (Infrastructure Safety) Rules, 2022, the RoW rules simplify processes, fostering efficiency and modernisation in infrastructure deployment.

Telecommunications (telecom cyber security) rules, 2024:

The government introduced landmark cyber security regulations empowering the centre to seek traffic data and other telecommunications data from entities. This rule allows the government to access critical infrastructure data, enhancing national digital security frameworks while establishing robust mechanisms for data collection and protection.

Key policies notified in 2024 demonstrated a comprehensive approach to digital infrastructure development:

Policies and State alignments

  • Green energy open access: Aligned across nine states including Odisha, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar. This policy reflects a commitment to sustainable digital infrastructure, encouraging renewable energy integration in telecom operations.
  • Composite billing: Implemented in Kerala, Assam, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana (UHBVN), Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Daman Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli. The policy aims to streamline billing processes and enhance transparency in telecom services.
  • RoW policy: Adopted by Nagaland, Kerala, Meghalaya, Andaman & Nicobar, Odisha, NDMC, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Gujarat, and Arunachal Pradesh. This policy simplifies infrastructure deployment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for telecom network expansion.
  • Theft action and security measures: Comprehensive investigations were launched about theft incidents across 14 States and Union Territories initiated by Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Department, Director General of Police in Gujarat and Punjab, Superintendent of HOME, Punjab, Punjab Cyber-crime Units, demonstrating a unified approach to telecom infrastructure security.
  • Tower safety guidelines: The Director of Meghalaya introduced comprehensive instructions and guidelines for the safety and security of telecom towers, setting a precedent for infrastructure protection and standardisation across northeastern states.

Production Linked Incentive: catalysing domestic manufacturing

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme emerged as a game-changing initiative in 2024. With an allocation of Rs. 121.95 billion, the scheme revolutionised the telecom manufacturing ecosystem. It generated 23,857 direct employments, attracted investments of Rs 38.50 billion, and achieved total sales exceeding Rs 500 billion. Most significantly, the scheme reduced import dependency by 60 per cent in critical equipment sectors, marking a substantial stride towards technological self-reliance.

Digital public infrastructure: the innovation backbone

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) demonstrated unprecedented capabilities in 2024. The integrated ecosystem of digital identity systems, payment interfaces, and data exchange platforms created a standardised and interoperable digital backbone. UPI processing an impressive 23.49 trillion across 16.58 billion financial transactions in October 2024. Notable achievements include UPI facilitating 50 billion telecom transactions, Aadhaar-based e-KYC enabling instant activation for 95 per cent of new connections, and DigiLocker integration reducing document query time by 40 per cent.

5G and emerging technologies: pioneering the digital frontier

The 5G deployment in 2024 showcased India’s technological prowess. With more than 0.4 million 5G BTSs covering over 779 districts out of 783 districts, the country is projected to achieve 350 million 5G subscriptions by 2026, representing 27 per cent of mobile subscriptions. Simultaneously, ongoing initiatives for 6G technology development underscore India’s commitment to staying at the technological forefront.

Stakeholders’ advisory committees: government-industry collaboration for telecom growth

In alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive and collaborative policymaking, the Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, constituted six Stakeholders Advisory Committees (SACs). These committees aim to foster a two-way dialogue with IP-1s, ISPs, TSPs, industry leaders, academia, and policymakers, focusing on technology promotion, research and development (R&D), local manufacturing, and policy reforms. Designed to address critical issues and devise actionable plans, the SACs play a pivotal role in shaping the growth and technological advancements of India’s telecom sector.

Cross-sectoral integration: A holistic digital ecosystem

The telecommunications sector catalysed collaboration across multiple domains. Smart Cities Integration saw 7,378 completed projects with an investment of Rs 1.47 trillion, successfully integrating 5G technology with urban infrastructure. The BharatNet project connected 2,14,679-gram panchayats, laid 6,92,082 km of OFC, while the USOF scheme, now called Digital Bharat Nidhi, deployed 8,055 mobile towers in underserved areas, achieving a rural tele-density of 59.59 per cent. Additionally, 11,69,571 fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections are commissioned, and 1,04,574 Wi-Fi hotspots are installed to ensure last-mile connectivity. Efforts to bridge the urban-rural divide included saturating uncovered villages with 4G, upgrading 2G/3G coverage, and providing submarine cable connectivity to Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, alongside the rollout of the Amended BharatNet Program for high-speed broadband in all inhabited villages at a cost of Rs 1.39 trillion.

The road ahead: 2025—the game-changer

As we look beyond 2024, the horizon of 2025 is poised to be a transformative year for India’s telecom and digital infrastructure landscape. The achievements of 2024 have laid a robust foundation, but the opportunities ahead are immense. Key focus areas for 2025 include:

  • Universal broadband connectivity: Bridging the digital divide by expanding broadband access to underserved regions, ensuring no citizen is left behind.
  • Next-generation workforce development: Skilling 22 million professionals in 5G technologies and digital infrastructure to meet growing industry demands.
  • 6G research and development: Accelerating India’s journey towards 6G leadership with robust investments and cross-border collaborations.
  • Smart villages initiative: Leveraging digital technologies to transform rural areas into hubs of connectivity and innovation.
  • Sustainability in digital infrastructure: Scaling up renewable energy usage across telecom operations to meet India’s net-zero ambitions.
  • Digital twin approach: Villages can leverage this advanced technology to plan and manage development more effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and improved quality of life for residents.

Outlook for 2025: towards global digital leadership

The convergence of visionary policies, technological innovation, and strategic investments positions 2025 as a defining year. India’s telecom sector will witness:

  • Enhanced collaborations with global tech leaders to foster innovation.
  • Significant strides in AI-driven network management, improving efficiency and service delivery
  • Expansion of public-private partnerships (PPP) to accelerate infrastructure deployment.
  • Greater focus on cyber resilience to safeguard India’s growing digital assets.

Conclusion: A digital powerhouse emerges

The year 2024 stands as a watershed moment in India’s digital transformation journey. The convergence of visionary policies, technological innovation, and strategic investments has positioned India not just as a participant, but as a leader in the global digital infrastructure revolution. With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, 2025 is set to propel India to the pinnacle of global digital leadership. The stage is set for India to transform not just its own digital landscape but to inspire the world with its vision and execution.