PIB Summary- 5th December, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

National Digital Communication Policy, 2018

Context

The National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) was launched in 2018 to establish a resilient, secure, and affordable digital communication infrastructure in India.It has significantly improved telecom infrastructure, affordability, and coverage, fostering digital empowerment and creating a vibrant ecosystem.

Key Improvements (2018–2024)

• Optical Fiber Network Expansion: Increased from 17.5 lakh km (March 2018) to 41.9 lakh km (October 2024).Base Transceiver Stations (BTS): Grew from 19.8 lakh (2018) to 29.4 lakh (2024).Mobile Connectivity: 6,22,840 of 6,44,131 villages have mobile connectivity as of September 2024.Broadband Subscribers: Doubled from 48 crore (2018) to 94 crore (2024).Data Usage: Increased from 8.32 GB/month (2018) to 21.30 GB/month (2024).Data Tariffs: Reduced from ₹10.91/GB (2018) to ₹8.31/GB (2024).

Government Initiatives

• BharatNet Program: ₹1,39,579 crore allocated to connect 2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats and approximately 3.8 lakh villages.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi: Provides telecom coverage to uncovered villages.

Satellite Communication Reforms-2022

• Simplified regulations and reduced financial charges for licensees.
• Enabled non-government participation in satellite-based services, connecting 5,474 Gram Panchayats.

Spectrum Management Reforms

• Spectrum auctions since September 2021 allow surrender after 10 years, with no usage charges.
• Encourages spectrum sharing without additional charges, enhancing utilization efficiency.
• Spectrum refarming carried out for 5G services, with a clear assignment methodology outlined in the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Role of TRAI

• TRAI ensures competition in the telecom sector by issuing regulations to maintain a multi-operator, competitive market.