New draft telecom policy eyes universal 4G coverage, 1 million new jobs, 100 million home broadband by 2030

Another 1 million workers are targeted to be reskilled for the digital economy.

India has released the draft National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25), setting an ambitious framework to transform the country into a global telecom technology leader by 2030. The policy aims to achieve universal 4G coverage, 90 percent population coverage with 5G, fixed broadband in 100 million homes, and the creation of 1 million new jobs in the sector.

Open for public consultation, the draft policy lays out a roadmap focused on aggressive infrastructure expansion, deep localization of telecom manufacturing, a massive skilling push, and environmentally sustainable development. Another 1 million workers are targeted to be reskilled for the digital economy.

"The National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25) represents a transformative vision for India’s digital future, reaffirming the country’s strategic commitment to telecommunications as a foundational pillar for economic development, social empowerment, and technological innovation," the preamble of the draft policy released on July 23 read.

Building on the progress made under the National Digital Communications Policy 2018, NTP-25 addresses the transformative potential and emerging challenges of next-generation technologies such as 5G, 6G, AI, IoT, quantum communications, satellite networks, and blockchain. "As these innovations reshape global value chains, the policy positions India to harness them for bridging the digital divide, driving inclusive development, and cementing its role as a global digital leader," the preamble added.

The government is aiming to mobilize Rs 1 lakh crore (~$12.1 billion) annually in telecom infrastructure investments, double telecom product exports, expand fibre reach to 80 percent of mobile towers, and roll out 1 million public Wi-Fi hotspots. A new “Digital Bharat Nidhi” scheme is proposed to expand networks in remote and uncovered areas, along with incentives to fast-track fixed-line broadband.

Structured around six core missions, the NTP-25 envisions India not only as the world’s largest consumer of telecom services but also as a leading exporter of indigenous telecom technology under the “Bharat – A Telecom Product Nation” banner.

NTP-25 aims to place India among the top 10 innovation hubs for telecom technologies like 6G, AI, IoT, and quantum communications. It sets a target to capture 10 percent of global 6G-related IPRs, co-create digital twin applications, ease spectrum access for R&D, and transform C-DOT into a telecom R&D excellence center. The policy proposes establishing 10 Centres of Excellence and backing 500 telecom-tech startups and MSMEs. An innovation-focused Section 8 company will also be created.

To boost self-reliance, the policy targets a 150 percent increase in domestic telecom manufacturing and 50 percent import substitution. It proposes setting up a dedicated Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), 30 advanced research labs, and an Indian Institute of Telecom Technology (IIT2) for talent development. A complete supply chain ecosystem and stronger Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) will support this effort.

Security is a key pillar of NTP-25. The policy mandates robust cybersecurity audits, biometric-based user verification, and faster response to telecom cyber threats. A National Telecom SafeNet will be created to secure national infrastructure, and satellite networks will also be monitored for data protection and integrity.

The policy proposes halving grievance redressal timelines, scaling up the “Samriddh Gram” model for village-level telecom access, and cutting red tape around spectrum allocation and RoW permissions. A composite electricity billing system for telecom players and simplified compliance for businesses are also planned.

NTP-25 commits to reducing the telecom sector’s carbon footprint by 30 percent, promoting renewable energy adoption for 30 percent of telecom towers, integrating the sector with the Indian Carbon Market, and implementing a robust e-waste management framework. Telecom infrastructure is to be made resilient to climate change impacts.

Positioning telecom as the backbone of India’s digital economy, the policy calls for seamless coordination among ministries, startups, academia, and industry. It also underscores India’s intention to shape global standards, expand its intellectual property portfolio, and deploy Indian telecom technologies in at least 10 countries as part of its “Vishwabandhu” (universal brotherhood) vision.