The Indian government is gearing up to enhance telecom product exports, with a strategic focus on achieving universal connectivity and generating one million new jobs by 2030. The Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with key stakeholders, is finalizing a comprehensive policy to transform India’s telecom and digital infrastructure over the next five years, according to a report.
Major Investments in ICT and Infrastructure
The proposed policy sets ambitious goals, including doubling telecom product exports, ensuring affordable and universal connectivity through a blend of terrestrial and satellite networks, and expanding fixed-line broadband access to 100 million households, up from the current 45 million.
Officials revealed that the policy also aims to elevate the information and communications technology (ICT) sector’s contribution to India’s GDP from 7.8% to 11% by 2030. To facilitate this growth, the government is targeting an annual investment inflow of ₹1.5 lakh crore into telecom infrastructure.
“The policy being formulated by the communications ministry, in consultation with all stakeholders, seeks to boost the ICT sector’s GDP contribution from 7.8% to 11% by 2030, alongside attracting ₹1.5 lakh crore annually in telecom infrastructure,” officials were quoted as saying.
Push for Domestic Manufacturing and Self-Reliance
The government is placing a strong emphasis on domestic manufacturing and self-reliance, supported by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. As of March 31, 2025, the telecom sector had recorded total sales of ₹80,927 crore under the PLI initiative, with exports contributing ₹14,915 crore. Officials confirmed that the National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2025 would be notified soon, setting clear targets to be achieved by 2030.
Focus on Emerging Technologies and Job Creation
The new policy also envisions substantial job creation in emerging technology sectors, including 5G and 6G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, big data, and quantum communications. According to sources, “An enabling framework will be established to integrate non-terrestrial networks, including satellite systems, with terrestrial networks to expand telecom services across the nation.”
Expansion of Broadband and Wi-Fi Access
To fulfill its connectivity goals, the policy outlines full 4G coverage across India and 90% 5G coverage by 2030. It also includes plans for complete fiber connectivity of all gram panchayats under the BharatNet program, along with high-speed broadband access for all government institutions at the village level by 2030. Additionally, one million Wi-Fi hotspots are to be deployed nationwide.
“The aim is to increase the fixed-line broadband network from 45 million to 100 million households across the country,” an official noted.
Satellite Communication to Bridge the Digital Divide
A key element of the new policy is the integration of non-terrestrial networks, including satellite communication systems, with existing terrestrial infrastructure. The government is positioning satellite-based connectivity—particularly through Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems—as a critical tool to bridge the digital divide in rural and remote areas.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already issued satellite communication permits to Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES, while Starlink has received a letter of intent. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is also anticipated to play a significant role in this satellite broadband ecosystem. The much-anticipated NTP 2025, expected to be announced soon, will serve as the strategic blueprint for India’s digital ambitions through the end of the decade.
