Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has applauded the directorate issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to Chief Secretaries across India to accept online applications through the GatiShakti Sanchar Portal to enhance broadband connectivity in the country. The Minister of Communication, Electronics and IT inaugurated the GatiShakti Sanchar Portal for right-of-way (RoW) approvals on May 14, 2022 in the presence of senior officials of the DoT, industry and senior officials of 36 states/union territories (UTs) through video conference. This directorate will help in the speedy grant of RoW permissions, quick rollout of broadband across the country, and more transparency in the system. Thus, contributing to the connected digital India roadmap.
For the faster roll-out of 5G services in the country in near future, network infrastructure is one of the key needs for mobile operators and the industry is presently struggling with the basics when it comes to RoW permission in the country. GatiShakti Sanchar Portal is a central collaborative platform between all stakeholders including central and state/UT government(s), local bodies, and service providers to facilitate the faster RoW deployment to boost digital infrastructure in the country.
Commenting on the initiative, Lt. Gen. Dr. SP Kochhar, director general, COAI, said, “The portal will help enable a faster rollout of the 5G network in India by drastically reducing the time taken by telecom service providers and infrastructure providers to obtain clearances for installation of telecom towers and to lay optic fibre cables. The portal is expected to give time-bound RoW approvals from local municipalities/ DCs/ etc. across the nation. The GatiShakti Sanchar Portal is an important step toward making India digitally advanced, encompassing programs like smart cities and digital society and achieving the goal of “Broadband for All”.
If the RoW issue isn’t solved in a time-bound manner, then this can lead to hindrances in the 5G rollout. DoT secretary had earlier also directed all DoT field units to conduct monthly meetings with service providers to review the application approval process and pendency. He had further directed them to further take up the issues with state and municipal authorities. DoT had also earlier directed state secretaries and department heads of state governments to ensure quick disposal of RoW applications in their states. State broadband committees have also been asked to follow the state policy with Central RoW Rule-2016. The portal will be integrated with central RoW portals of other central ministries like the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, etc..
