Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 12: The government has announced that 5G services have been successfully rolled out across all states and Union Territories, with coverage now reaching 773 out of 776 districts, including remote regions like Lakshadweep.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, stated that as of February 28, telecom service providers (TSPs) have installed approximately 4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) nationwide. The expansion has exceeded the minimum rollout obligations set in the spectrum auction guidelines.

While telecom providers continue to expand their 5G services, further development will depend on technological and commercial viability.

To accelerate 5G deployment, the government has introduced multiple initiatives, including spectrum auctions, financial reforms to streamline Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and Bank Guarantees (BGs), and the removal of Spectrum Usage Charges for spectrum acquired from 2022 onward.

Additional measures such as simplifying SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocations) clearances, launching the PM GatiShakti Sanchar portal, and implementing new Right of Way (RoW) rules have further facilitated infrastructure development.

The Indian telecom sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, both domestically and globally. According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), India currently has around 1,187 million telecom subscribers. Urban tele-density has soared to 131.01%, while rural areas stand at 58.31%, highlighting the vast potential for further expansion.

The rapid deployment of 5G, driven by artificial intelligence, indigenous data sets, and the establishment of localized data centers, is set to transform India’s digital ecosystem, making high-speed connectivity accessible to millions.