Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, July 28: The union cabinet has approved the project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country. The total cost of the project is Rs. 26,316 crores.
The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision to include 20 percent additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.
Last year the government approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across five states. The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund. The project cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr includes capex and five years opex.
BSNL is already in process of deployment of Atmanirbhar 4G technology stack which will be deployed in this project as well. The project is a significant step towards the vision of the government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas. In this regards, the list of “uncovered villages for mobile 4G services” is attached for your kind reference.
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