Bharat Exhibitions has concluded the 3rd edition of the Broadband India Summit 2025 on July 17, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s digital transformation journey. Held under the compelling theme, “Connecting the Unconnected: Bridging the Gaps with Wireline, Wireless, and Satellite Solutions,” the summit brought together the country’s most influential policymakers, leading telecom operators, infrastructure enablers, and tech pioneers. With India’s broadband landscape rapidly advancing through technologies like Wi-Fi 6/7, passive optical networking (PON), and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the summit spotlighted the innovations driving ultra-fast connectivity for immersive experiences such as 8K streaming, virtual reality (VR), cloud gaming, and smart homes. More than just a conference, the summit became a dynamic platform to shape policy direction, showcase transformative technologies, ignite partnerships, and power the inclusive vision of Digital India.
Speaking at the event, Vivek Banzal, director (CFA), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), said, “BSNL is more than a telecom provider—it is a digital enabler. As India moves toward Broadband for All, BSNL’s infrastructure, affordability, and rural reach make it indispensable. Convergence of all technologies is the mantra ahead, we need to reach every nook and corner of the country. This is the only way ahead for our country, India. Indian connectivity, penetrating all geographical boundaries is something that we as operators focus on. When the whole of India is connected, it is connected in the truest sense.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay Agrawal, director, Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW), Ministry of Home Affairs, said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs is embracing this transformation. From digital identity verification to online passport services, broadband is revolutionising how we deliver public services. Initiatives like PM-WANI and Digital Bharat Nidhi are helping bridge the urban-rural divide by funding infrastructure in underserved areas. As we expand digital access, we must also ensure cybersecurity, data protection, and digital literacy. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is a step in the right direction. But laws must be matched with awareness and infrastructure.”
Further, Puneet Garg, president and group wireline chief technology officer (CTO), Reliance Jio, said, “In the digital age, connectivity is the cornerstone of progress. Fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. At Jio Fiber, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Our mission is simple: to deliver world-class broadband to every corner of India. With Jio Fiber and now Jio AirFiber, we are extending our reach to areas where traditional infrastructure cannot, helping bridge the digital divide. Prioritising health and enabling government-led services, our solutions ensure connectivity even in the most remote parts of the country.”
Rahul Vatts, director, OneWeb India and chief regulatory officer, Bharti Airtel, said, “Satellite broadband is rapidly emerging as a transformative solution for internet connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions. Airtel is making significant moves in the satellite broadband space in India, positioning itself as a key player through strategic partnerships and joint ventures.”
Prof. Kiran Kuchi, founder, WiSig Networks and Professor, IIT Hyderabad, said during the summit, ‘We are witnessing a convergence of multiple technologies, especially in the infrastructure sector. 5G and Wi-Fi have converged at the network site, which is quite mind-boggling. BharatNet, along with complementary technologies and fibre-to-the-home initiatives, are key to achieving last-mile connectivity.
Sachin Deshpande, CTO, Tata Play Fiber, said, “Tata Play Fiber is more than a service—it is a commitment to digital empowerment. We are expanding across cities and towns, ensuring that every household, every business, and every learner has access to world-class internet. In today’s digital-first world, connectivity is no longer a convenience—it is a necessity. Whether it is a student attending online classes, a professional working remotely, or a family streaming their favourite shows, fast and reliable internet is the backbone of modern life, as network is hygiene. Customer experience is the imperative, so that service capabilities are enhanced, for example incorporation of AI.”
Manoj Tandon, director (Project, Operations & Maintenance), RailTel Corporation of India Limited, added, “What makes broadband connectivity truly impactful is its reach. Over 50 per cent of our RailWire subscribers are from semi-urban and rural areas—regions where traditional broadband often fails to penetrate. We are not just connecting individuals; we’re empowering entire communities. Telecom growth fuels national progress—let us work together towards a meaningful broadband mission
Further, Gopa Kumar Krishna, CEO, RANext Technologies, said, “RANext is at the forefront of building digital infrastructure and enabling future-ready connectivity. As smart cities and buildings become the need of the hour in India and globally, what RANext is doing in this context is not just business, but providing connectivity solutions that are paving the way forward for the industry. Our solutions are not only building the backbone of fibre to the x (FTTx) and other wireless solutions in India but also laying the foundation for a digitally empowered future.”
Furthermore, Shashi Dharan, managing director, Bharat Exhibitions, said, ‘India is entering a new era of connectivity. As we all know, satellite broadband is coming to India! With the necessary permits and clearances secured, the government is now finalising the terms for spectrum allocation. Commercial services are expected to commence by November or December 2025.
