The Ministry of Communications in India recently announced several amendments to the Right of Way (RoW) rules. The goal behind these changes is to speed up the deployment of 5G networks across the country. The amendments include charging rationalisation, the introduction of a single window clearance system, and the elimination of the need for consent from a government authority for installing infrastructure over private property.
Amendments & Implications
Telecom licensees will now be able to enter into agreements directly with private property owners for the installation of telecom infrastructure like towers, poles, or optical fibre without the need for any government permissions. Furthermore, no administrative fees will be charged by the Central government for the establishment of poles on land owned or controlled by them. However, states and union territories may charge a fee of up to Rs.1,000 per pole.
Moreover, the fee for laying overground optical fibre shall not exceed Rs.1,000 per kilometre. Telecom companies are required to submit details of the premises where the infrastructure is proposed to be established, along with a structural safety certificate by an authorised engineer.
These amendments are designed to simplify RoW application processing through the Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal, the single window portal for all telecom-related RoW applications.
Deployment of New Infrastructure
These changes also allow telecom licensees to utilise street structures to deploy telecom equipment at a nominal annual cost of Rs.150 in rural areas and Rs.300 in urban areas.
The Rationale Behind the Amendments
The amendments announced aim to expedite the upgrade and expansion of telecom networks and facilitate the deployment of 5G small cells on existing street infrastructure. While the current infrastructure might sustain the rollout of services, experts argue that at least 70% of the telecom towers need to be fiberised from the current level of 33% to leverage the full potential of 5G.
Fiberisation becomes crucial in India due to the rising data consumption and growth compared to 2G and 3G wireless technologies. The key challenges faced by the telecom sector, like access to existing infrastructure, deployment of new infrastructure, and its high costs, are expected to be alleviated.
Significance of the Amendments
With the telecom industry prioritising both rural and urban areas, it is anticipated that 5G services will reach nearly all regions of the country within the next two to three years. These amendments are likely to ensure the quick roll-out of this technology, making the dream of a 5G-enabled India a reality.
Further, it will bridge the digital divide between rural-urban and rich-poor, aligning with the central government’s Digital India mission and BharatNet project. The amendments will strengthen e-governance and financial inclusion, make doing business easier, and fulfil the information and communication needs of citizens and enterprises, including 5G. These changes envisage a smooth transition for India towards becoming a digitally empowered economy and society.
