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.
