India has achieved one of the swiftest 5G rollouts globally, reaching 738 districts and serving around 100 million users, according to a statement made by Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan, in the Lok Sabha. As of November 24, 2023, 5G networks have been deployed across 738 districts, boasting a total of 3,94,298 base stations. The significant milestone reflects a substantial commitment from telecom service providers, with an investment exceeding Rs 2 lakh crore, including Rs 1.5 lakh crore dedicated to spectrum acquisition in the July-August 2022 auction.
The minister highlighted the remarkable growth in the telecom sector, with the gross revenue of telecom service providers surpassing Rs 3 lakh crore for the first time in the fiscal year 2022-23. This success is attributed to the government’s strategic implementation of structural and procedural reforms aimed at fostering healthy competition, injecting liquidity, encouraging investment, reducing regulatory burdens on telcos, and safeguarding consumer interests. The government’s initiatives include the rationalization of the definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), allowance of spectrum trading and sharing, facilitation of 100% foreign direct investment, and ensuring sufficient spectrum through transparent auctions.
Furthermore, in a bid to expedite the deployment of telecom infrastructure, the government has amended the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules (ROW). These amendments facilitate the deployment of 5G small cells and optical fiber cables on existing street infrastructure, along with the rationalization of fees and charges paid by telcos for Right of Way permissions.
