India’s draft National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2025 sets ambitious targets for the telecommunications sector. It aims to boost investment, exports, job creation, and technology adoption by 2030. The policy envisions transforming India into a global telecom hub with advanced infrastructure and innovation.
Investment and Economic Growth
The government plans to double annual telecom investment to ₹1 trillion. It targets doubling the sector’s contribution to India’s GDP within five years. Export of telecom products, services, and startups is expected to increase twofold. These measures aim to strengthen the telecom industry’s role in the national economy.
Job Creation and Skill Development
NTP 2025 aims to create 1 million new jobs in telecom by 2030. An equal number of workers will be re-skilled or up-skilled to meet future industry demands. This focus on human capital development will support the sector’s growth and innovation capabilities.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity
The policy targets 80% tower fibreisation, up from 46% now, and 90% 5G population coverage by 2030. It proposes universal and meaningful connectivity by linking all government institutions at the village level. Fixed-line broadband rollout to 100 million households is also planned, especially in rural areas.
Rural Telecom Expansion
To improve rural connectivity, the policy introduces schemes under the Digital Bharat Nidhi. It offers incentives for companies to promote fixed-line broadband in villages. Support will be provided to smaller internet service providers for last-mile connectivity. These efforts aim to bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
Telecom Manufacturing and Research
NTP 2025 proposes creating telecom manufacturing zones with integrated infrastructure for equipment design and production. The goal is to build an end-to-end domestic supply chain. For innovation, 30 advanced research labs will be set up in top institutions like IITs. These labs will develop industry-ready talent and encourage cutting-edge technologies.
Security and Cybersecurity
The policy emphasises quantum-resistant cryptography to secure telecom infrastructure. It advocates endpoint security using indigenous detection and response solutions. AI and machine learning frameworks will enforce cybersecurity through tools like AI Incident Reporting. These measures aim to protect networks from evolving threats.
Environmental and Regulatory Measures
NTP 2025 targets reducing the telecom sector’s carbon footprint by 30%. It proposes a light-touch regulatory framework for submarine cable infrastructure to ease connectivity expansion. The policy encourages sustainable growth while maintaining regulatory efficiency.
Startups and Innovation
The policy aims to double the number of telecom startups by 2030. This will stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector. Supportive measures will help startups scale and compete globally.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the role of telecommunications in India’s economic development and how policies like NTP 2025 can influence this growth.
- Critically analyse the challenges and opportunities in expanding rural broadband connectivity in India with suitable examples.
- Estimate the impact of quantum-resistant cryptography on national security and the telecom sector’s resilience against cyber threats.
- What is the significance of promoting indigenous manufacturing in the telecom sector? How does it affect India’s global trade and technological self-reliance?
