In 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) continues to lead the transformation of India's telecom sector, making substantial strides in infrastructure development, policy reforms, and the expansion of high-speed internet services.
Through a series of initiatives, India is increasingly emerging as a global leader in telecom by introducing 5G, policy reforms, and digital inclusivity. The DoT’s efforts have not only bolstered the country’s telecom infrastructure but also created opportunities for economic growth and social empowerment.
Latest Service News: Thaicom Gains IN-SPACe Approval for India Satellite Services
The Path to Telecom Modernity
A landmark moment in India's telecom history came following the introduction of the Telecommunications Act, 2023—a modern and efficient regulatory framework which replaced the century-old Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933. The new law lays the foundation for simplified authorization processes, better spectrum management, and enhanced national security. With the enforcement of 43 out of 62 sections underway, this act is already proving to be a game-changer for the sector, offering clearer guidelines for telecom operators and fostering a conducive environment for rapid technological advancements.
The DoT's commitment to modernization is evident in its push to make India a global hub for advanced telecom technologies. Through initiatives like the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), the department is facilitating the development of 5G and 6G technologies, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global telecom innovations.
India's telecom landscape has witnessed one of the world’s fastest 5G rollouts. As of October, 2024, more than 4.6 lakh 5G base transceiver stations (BTS) have been installed, covering over 99% of the country’s districts. The rapid deployment of 5G has significantly boosted internet speeds and connectivity, setting the stage for a host of next-generation applications such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and IoT innovations.
The government's strategic move to auction sufficient spectrum for mobile services, along with reforms to ease spectrum sharing, trading, and surrender, have been crucial in accelerating 5G deployment. These efforts have not only ensured the timely rollout of 5G across the country but also laid a foundation adept at future-proofing India’s telecom infrastructure.
Also Read: How India’s Telecommunications Sector is Driving Digital Literacy
Expanding Digital Inclusivity
One of the cornerstones of the DoT’s strategy is fostering digital inclusivity, and significant progress has been made in this area. The internet subscriber base in India surged to 96.96 crore as of June, 2024—a remarkable 285% growth from just 25.15 crore in 2014. Additionally, broadband connections have skyrocketed, growing by over 1452% from 6.1 crore in 2014 to nearly 95 crore in 2024. This vast expansion of connectivity has created immense opportunities for economic and social empowerment, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
A key initiative in this regard is the 4G Saturation Project, which aims to provide 4G coverage to every village in the country. Currently, over 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected, and 6.9 lakh kilometers of optical fiber cable (OFC) have been laid to extend high-speed internet access to even the remotest parts of India.
Moreover, in July, the Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, convened a meeting with the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) for telecom service providers, where he met with Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairperson of Bharti Enterprises; Akash Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Jio; Gopal Vittal, CEO of Airtel; and Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vodafone Idea, to discuss the status of 5G deployment and strategies for improving service delivery. Additionally, the DoT is exploring innovative solutions such as balloon and drone deployments to ensure seamless 5G connectivity during emergencies, along with geo-tagging telecom infrastructure to improve network planning and access.
A Safe and Secure Telecom Ecosystem
As cybercrimes increasingly exploit telecom resources, the DoT has taken proactive measures to safeguard users and prevent misuse of telecom services. The launch of the Sanchar Saathi portal has proven instrumental in empowering citizens to report fraud, unsolicited communication, and even stolen mobile devices. With nearly 9 crore visits and over 3 lakh daily visitors, the portal serves as a critical tool for consumers seeking to protect themselves from telecom-related scams.
The DoT has also introduced the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), a secure online platform for sharing information on telecom-related cybercrimes among telecom service providers, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions. The DIP’s collaborative approach has led to the disconnection of over 2.67 crore fraudulent mobile connections and the blacklisting of nearly 71,000 SIM agents.
Additionally, the DoT’s efforts to combat spoofed international calls have significantly reduced telecom fraud. By December, 2024, over 90% of incoming international spoofed calls were successfully blocked, safeguarding Indian subscribers from fraudsters exploiting Indian phone numbers to carry out scams.
Furthermore, recent initiatives include implementing USSD call-forwarding suspensions to combat fraud and rolling out new rules for phone interception to safeguard citizens' privacy. The DoT is also encouraging the pursuit of R&D projects to advance quantum communications, further reinforcing India’s commitment to a secure telecom future.
Policy and Regulation
The DoT has taken a progressive stance on policy and regulation by rejecting telcos’ requests to regulate OTT services, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. However, these platforms might still face regulation under other legal frameworks. Furthermore, the establishment of a working committee to promote telecom exports reflects the department's focus on elevating India's position in global telecom markets. These measures align with the government's vision of creating a robust and forward-thinking regulatory framework.
With the rollout of 5G, the forthcoming launch of 6G projects, and continued policy reforms, the Department of Telecommunications is not only transforming the telecom sector but also contributing to India’s digital future; one that is connected, secure, and inclusive for all.
Related:
Telecoms Role in Driving Progress Towards SDGs in India, Vietnam and Indonesia
India’s Widespread AI Adoption and 2027 Market Projections
Indian Government Considers Bill Granting Free Internet Access for All Citizens
