The Indian government is dedicated to fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem, with a comprehensive plan worth approximately ₹1.40 lakh crore under the BharatNet initiative. This program aims to connect all gram panchayats with high-speed optical fiber offering 1 Gbps connectivity. The initiative is designed to drive decentralized growth, empowering villages to become self-reliant economic hubs by linking them to global networks through advanced telecom infrastructure. Tamil Nadu, with its significant industrial progress and technological expertise, is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in making this vision a reality, said Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal at the Uimagine 2025 event in Chennai.
भारतनेट – देश के कोने कोने तक इंटरनेट का हाईवे। pic.twitter.com/7qRWjbgly5
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Mittal emphasized Tamil Nadu’s leadership in IT, job creation, and skill development as critical elements for building a competitive economy. He noted that telecom infrastructure is vital for sustaining this growth and highlighted the government’s extensive efforts under the Prime Minister’s leadership over the past decade.
The Centre has established 5G labs across seven to eight institutions in Tamil Nadu. Mittal encouraged the state government to leverage these facilities to develop 5G-specific use cases, setting the stage for advancements in 6G technology over the next five to seven years. He also pointed out that IIT Madras has received significant funding for research, including the creation of advanced test beds for 6G and optical technologies in collaboration with CDOT. These efforts aim to position India as a global leader in telecom technologies, moving beyond its earlier lag in 4G to being a frontrunner in 6G.
Mittal urged Tamil Nadu’s government to utilize funds from the revised BharatNet program to enhance digital connectivity in partnership with the Centre. He also recommended using 5G labs and hosting hackathons to foster innovation. Additionally, he stressed the importance of expediting infrastructure development under the new Telecommunications Act, designed to simplify business operations and drive economic growth in the state.
