In recent years, India’s digital infrastructure has undergone substantial transformation due to the government’s focus on digitalisation and the increasing adoption of technology. From traditional solutions such as broadband and fibre optic networks to newer innovations such as satellite communications and data centres, the digital infrastructure is enhancing connectivity both globally and in remote areas of the country. To this end, the government has played a key role in ensuring the availability and accessibility of these digital solutions.

A look at the key government initiatives and the progress so far…

Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023

The Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023, passed by the Parliament on December 20, 2023, is an important legislation that has replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. A primary objective of the new telecom act is to facilitate the growth and development of telecommunications infrastructure. To achieve this, the act has streamlined spectrum allocation processes, simplified right of way (RoW) procedures, and introduced measures to support innovation and development within the sector. Furthermore, it has initiated the “Digital Bharat Nidhi” fund, dedicated to promoting access and delivery of services across regions, and supporting research and development in telecom services.

There are several features of the sections that have been brought into force with effect from June 26, 2024, with additional provisions introduced from July 5, 2024. These new rules mandate the protection of users from spam and malicious communications. In line with the PM Gati Shakti Yojana, the act empowers the government to create common ducts and cable corridors. Additionally, the act requires that any equipment blocking telecommunications can only be used if authorised by the government.

Renewed focus on BharatNet

BharatNet is one of the largest rural telecom projects, aiming to provide last-mile broadband connectivity to 640,000 villages and 250,000 gram panchayats (GPs) across the country. To oversee as well as ensure smooth execution of the BharatNet initiative, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) established Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). However, the company was later merged with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to enhance operational efficiency.

In 2023, the project received renewed focus, with the government approving an outlay of Rs 1.39 trillion for its implementation. Recently, BSNL floated a Rs 650 billion tender for the implementation of BharatNet Phase III. This tender is part of the revamped project, covering the design, supply, construction, and installation of optical fibre cables (OFC) and other telecom equipment. Phase III includes internet leased line bandwidth provided by BSNL, middle-mile connectivity managed by private players for a 10-year period, and last-mile connectivity facilitated through the Udyami model.

As of July 22, 2024, a total of 104,574 GPs were equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots, with 6,103 reported as active. A total of 1,99,655 GPs were made service-ready with broadband infrastructure under the project. Additionally, 91,541.58 km of dark fibre has been laid, and 10,75,101 fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections have been commissioned.

Amendments to RoW rules

To streamline the deployment of telecom infrastructure in the country, DoT announced amendments to the Indian Telegraph RoW Rules, 2016, and introduced the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2023. These rules dictate how telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile towers, poles, common ducts, conduits for cabling, small cells, and street furniture, can be installed on both public and private property.

The amendments have been proposed under Sections 11, 12, 15, and 56 of the new telecom act which came into effect on June 26, 2024. Section 11 outlines RoW procedures for telecom networks on public property, while Section 12 covers RoW on private property. Section 15 grants the central government the authority to mandate that certain infrastructure projects, regardless of whether they are developed by public entities, private entities, or through public-private partnerships (PPPs), include common ducts, conduits, or cable corridors for the installation of telecom networks. DoT has also revised the schedule for fees, charges, and compensation for various activities.

These amendments have enabled policy interventions, such as simplifying clearances and wireless permissions for towers and introducing a straightforward application process with time-bound approvals for using street furniture. Consequently, the time required to obtain RoW permissions for towers and cables has been significantly reduced, from an average of 64 weeks in 2021 to 20 per cent of applications being processed within 15 days in 2024 so far.

The amendments also define street furniture as any structure or contrivance established on the property of an appropriate authority, such as posts or poles used for electricity, street lights, traffic lights, traffic signs, bus stops, taxi stands, public lavatories, or utility poles. Additionally, the draft rules define a small cell as a low-powered cellular radio access node with coverage ranging from 10 metres to 2 km, where applications for installing small cells will be free, and public entities will be required to grant permission within 60 days.

GatiShakti Sanchar Portal and common ducts

The GatiShakti Sanchar Portal is designed to simplify and expedite centralised RoW approvals for the rapid deployment of telecom infrastructure. This portal serves as an institutional mechanism, bringing together all stakeholders, including central and state governments, local bodies, and service providers, to facilitate the RoW application process for both overground and underground digital infrastructure through a single interface. As of April 30, 2024, a total of 145,073 RoW applications had been approved, greatly enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the application process.

In another development, DoT has issued guidelines for laying common ducts to minimise frequent digging and excavation. This approach will not only reduce costs for the industry but also eliminate the need for multiple RoW permissions, making it environmentally beneficial as well.

Focus on smart cities

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was launched with the goal of promoting core infrastructure and improving the quality of life in urban areas. As part of this initiative, all 100 designated smart cities have established special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to implement various projects. These SPVs are collectively working on around 8,000 multi-sectoral projects worth more than Rs 1.7 trillion. As of January 15, 2024, the SPVs had completed over 6,650 projects valued at over Rs 1.32 trillion.

The mission aims to establish smart cities as growth hubs that attract investments and create jobs through the establishment of start-up incubation centres and market redevelopment projects. To this end, 674 economic infrastructure projects have been completed, and another 263 projects are under implementation, at a total investment exceeding Rs 138 billion. Furthermore, 37 incubation centres and skill development centres have been developed, over 50 market redevelopment projects and 186 PPP projects have been completed, while 20 more are in progress, with total investments amounting to around Rs 110 billion.

Geotagging telecom infrastructure

In another development, the government has announced plans to geotag the country’s telecommunication infrastructure, including telecom towers and OFCs, with completion targeted for 2027. This initiative aims to enhance coordination during emergencies and disaster situations as well as support the development of other projects reliant on telecom infrastructure. Geotagging will enable precise identification of the locations of telecom towers and OFCs. The goal is to create a comprehensive digital map of telecom infrastructure locations, thereby improving preparedness and response capabilities.

State initiatives

Remarkably, state governments are actively facilitating and expediting the creation of digital infrastructure. The government of Meghalaya has adopted the Meghalaya Telecom Infrastructure (Amendment) Policy 2024 to enhance the installation and operation of telecom infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to quality telecom services, including high-speed internet and web-based communication. This policy serves as a guiding document to streamline the application and permission process for installing mobile towers, fast-tracking the roll-out of 5G infrastructure on street furniture, laying OFC both underground and overground, implementing in-building solutions (IBS), and other telecom infrastructure with time-bound provisions.

Similarly, the Urban Development and Housing Department of the Rajasthan government has allowed telecom operators to install mobile towers and poles or lay cables on private property without prior permission from any authority. The Assam government has also approved guidelines for granting RoW for telecom infrastructure to facilitate the speedy roll-out of 5G. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh government has introduced a policy for the rapid expansion of the 5G network in the state.

The way forward

With the government progressively working towards goals such as smart cities and smart health, the industry should enhance its digital infrastructure to effectively utilise frontier technologies for economic development. The central and state governments should continue to actively engage in initiatives aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure across the country