Summary:
The National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP 2025) issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) of India is to create the future, prepared for the future, safe and inclusive telecommunications ecosystem. It focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure, encouraging indigenous innovation, expanding rural connectivity and promoting next-gen technologies such as 6G, AI and satellite internet to convert India into a telecom and digital economy leader by 2047.
What is the Draft National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25)?
The Draft National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25) is a comprehensive outline proposed by DoT to direct the development of India’s telecom sector in the next decade. It lays the foundation for the next stage of Digital India, with the emphasis on universal service distribution, technology leadership and economic development through telecom innovations.
Major Objectives of National Telecom Policy
- Obtaining universal connectivity
- Promotion of permanent and inclusive growth
- India-led R&D and enabling manufacturing
- Increase data privacy and network safety
- Digital economy promotes employment and entrepreneurship
Pillars of NTP 2025
1. Universal digital access
- Cheap broadband for every citizen
- Connectivity to all villages and remote areas through fiber, 5G and satellites
- Strengthen Bharatnet and PM-Wani for Rural Wi-Fi and public hotspots
2. Next generation technology competence
- Strategic support for 6G research and tests
- Integration of AI/ML, Blockchain, Quantum tech and IoT
- Promoting satellite communication and private partnership
3. Infrastructure as a digital utility
- Simplified Right of Way (RoW) approval
- Use of common ducting infrastructure and street furniture
- Tower and fiber sharing in public and private players
4. Make in India
- Encouragement under PLI 2.0 for telecom equipment and chips
- Support for Open RAN and indigenous 5G/6G stack
- MSME and Startup Committing through R&D funding
5. Data privacy & network security
- Development of cyber security-by-design structure
- Important telecom infrastructure policies to safeguard
- Alignment with Digital Personal Data Protection Act
6. Skill development and jobs
- Digital skilling for 1 million+ youth in 5G, AI, IoT and Network tech
- Telecom Job Portal and Entrepreneurship Program
- Promotes the participation of women in telecommunication
NTP Strategic Goals of by 2025 & Beyond
- 100% 4G/5G coverage in all villages
- India in top 3 countries under 6G leadership
- Telecom sector contributes 8% to GDP
- 20 lakh jobs generated in digital and telecom services
- Full digital transition of government services in rural India
Stakeholder Consultations Underway
DoT has invited public comments and input from stakeholders including Telcos, Startups, Academia and Citizens. The final policy will include various ideas to combine with inclusive, future-proof, and Vision India@2047.
Final Thoughts
Draft National Telecom Policy 2025 is a transformational step towards building a flexible, innovative and inclusive telecom ecosystem in India. NTP-25 can take India into a global leadership position in the digital economy, with next gen technologies, rural connectivity and indigenous development.
