Cabinet approves a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages at a total cost of Rs 26,316 Cr
Digital
inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of ‘antyodaya’ vision of
the Government. Last year Government approved a project for providing 4G
mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across
5 states.
In his Independence Day address in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi gave a call for saturation of government schemes. The Union Cabinet today
approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages
across the country at a total cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr.
The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680
uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision
to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new settlements,
withdrawal of services by existing operators etc. In addition, 6,279
villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.
The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar
Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service
Obligation Fund. The project cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr includes capex and 5 year
opex.
BSNL is already in process of deployment of Atmanirbhar
4G technology stack, which will be deployed in this project as well.
The project is a significant step towards the vision of
the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will
promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele medicine,
tele education etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural
areas.