India to Bring Broadband Access to All Villages by 2022; to Invest ₹7 Lakh Crores
Dec. 17, 2019India has been making strides to become a digital economy over the past few years. We have seen mobile subscribers grow to 117 crores, with around 10GB Internet data being consumed on average today. Now, the central government aims to further digitization in India andbring ‘affordable and universal’ Internet accessto every corner with the launch of the National Broadband Mission.
The project is assumed tosee aninvestment of Rs. 7 lakh crores, coming from both the government and private sectors together in the next 3 to 4 years. Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) will contribute 10% of the funds whereas the balance will come from towers and assets of private players.
National Broadband Mission will promote digital entrepreneurship in India and enable the growth of digital services in rural regions. It will indirectly contribute to the ‘Digital India’ mission, ensuring the creation and delivery of low-cost, homegrown digital services. The larger objective, however, is to propel India towards a ‘5 trillion dollar economy’ because our nation has extraordinary potential for business, said Mr. Prasad during the launch.
