Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2025

Syllabus: Government Policies & Interventions, Environment (UPSC GS II & III)
Source: Business Today

Context:

The Ministry of Communications has released the Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2025, which aims to boost the use of Indian-made telecom equipment and strengthen India’s digital infrastructure.

What is NTP 2025?

The draft NTP 2025 is a vision document by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that outlines India’s telecom priorities for 2025–2030. It focuses on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), universal digital access, and emerging technologies like 6G and quantum communication.

Key Highlights of NTP 2025:

1. Promotion of Domestic Manufacturing:

• Incentives for telecom operators using Indian-made equipment.
• Aim: Replace 50% of imported telecom equipment with indigenous products.
• Support for Indian firms such as Tejas Networks and HFCL.

2. Research and Innovation:

• Plans to double R&D spending in telecom.
• Support to 500 tech startups.
• Target to hold 10% of global 6G intellectual property rights (IPRs).
• Use of blended finance and fund-of-funds for innovation.

3. Connectivity Infrastructure:

• 100% 4G and 90% 5G coverage by 2030.
• Increase fiber connectivity to telecom towers from 46% to 80%.
• Full broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats through BharatNet with 98% uptime.
• Expand fixed-line broadband to 100 million homes.
• Install 1 million public Wi-Fi hotspots.

4. Employment & Skilling:

• Create 1 million new jobs in the telecom sector.
• Upskill another 1 million workers in advanced telecom technologies.

5. Exports and Investment:

• Double telecom exports.
• Target ₹1 lakh crore annual investment in the sector.

6. Secure & Trusted Networks:

• Mandatory equipment audits to ensure national security.
• Adoption of quantum-secure communication systems.

7. Green Telecom Goals:

• Reduce the telecom sector’s carbon footprint by 30%.
• Promote clean energy and sustainable deployment.

Significance of the Policy:

• Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat: Promotes self-reliance by encouraging Make-in-India telecom equipment and reducing import dependency.
• Bridges the Digital Divide: Expands digital access in rural areas through BharatNet and public Wi-Fi.
• Corrects Past Policy Gaps: Seeks to improve upon the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme by creating actual market demand.
• Prepares India for Global Leadership: Strategically positions India in the global 6G race.
• Ensures Holistic Sectoral Reform: Integrates innovation, investment, connectivity, and security under one policy vision.

Conclusion:

The Draft NTP 2025 aims to transform India into a global telecom leader by focusing on self-reliance, innovation, secure infrastructure, and inclusive growth. However, timely implementation and strong coordination will be crucial for its success.