October 6, 2022
Government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will be carrying out this project
It will be implemented to provide last-mile internet connectivity in remote areas
The cost will be undertaken by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)
The government has also approved an INR 1.64 trillion revival package for BSNL to make the company improve network services among other things
The Indian government has approved INR 26,000 crore for installing 25,000 mobile towers over the next 500 days to provide last-mile internet connectivity in remote areas, according to Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
According to media reports, the government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will be carrying out this project and the cost will be undertaken by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The USOF, by the end of August, has a balance of INR 59,736 crore.
The installation of new towers will largely support BSNL’s 4G rollout over the next eighteen months and is expected to launch the network in November. The company is also planning to launch its 5G services by August, next year.
Additionally, the government has approved an INR 1.64 trillion revival package, to make the company improve network services, among other things.
Telecom operators pay 8% of their adjusted gross revenue as license fees, out of which 5% goes to USOF and 3% to the exchequer. As of August 31, about 47% of USOF is to be utilized, and telecom operators are requesting the government for putting it to use.
Source: Financial Express