India’s telecom and internet service providers have been called upon to rethink how they view connectivity—not as a commodity, but as a constitutional duty. At a recent industry event hosted by ISPAI and government-supported NIXI, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid out a new vision for digital equity, grounded in accessibility, affordability, and nationwide impact.
Connectivity seen as a pillar of India’s growth trajectory
The minister emphasised that telecom isn’t just another industry—it is a key driver behind India’s rise as the fourth-largest economy globally. With the sector growing at an annual rate of 14–16%, and even faster in the northeast, the government expects service providers to operate with a larger sense of purpose.
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Scindia outlined six key principles for the sector to uphold: affordability, availability, accessibility, quality, safety, and adaptability to emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. He highlighted how India has become the most cost-efficient data provider in the world, with 1 GB of data costing just ₹9—down from ₹287—and well below the global average of $2.59.
BharatNet and NBM 2.0 at the core of rural digital access
The minister also pointed to flagship infrastructure projects as enablers of this digital mission. He called on internet providers to scale up efforts using BharatNet, the rural broadband program, to extend reach beyond urban centers. Under the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, India is investing ₹1.39 lakh crore to ensure high-speed, reliable internet access in every village.
The vision is not limited to geographic coverage. NBM 2.0 sets a benchmark of 95% network uptime and a minimum of 100 Mbps speed. The goal is to connect not only rural homes but also schools, hospitals, and community centers—reflecting what the minister described as a fiduciary responsibility to every citizen.
As India positions itself as the global hub for data consumption and digital infrastructure, the government’s message to the industry is clear: connectivity is no longer optional—it’s a duty.
