Bridging last-mile connectivity with FRP solutions

Fibre-reinforced polymer solutions can transform rural telecom by enabling durable, cost-effective, and scalable rural digital infrastructure.

- VIVEK RAJ

Connectivity is not just a convenience in the fast- evolving digital era but a fundamental pillar of socioeconomic progress. Despite India boasting the world’s second-largest telecom network, the digital divide between urban and rural areas remains a pressing concern.

With nearly 65% of the population residing in rural regions, bridging this gap is essential to realising the vision of a truly ‘Digital India.’ Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP)-based telecom solutions present a transformative opportunity to establish robust, sustainable, cost- effective infrastructure tailored to rural needs.

THE RURAL CONNECTIVITY CHALLENGE

Expanding telecom infrastructure in rural India is fraught with challenges—low income levels, high maintenance costs, limited electrification, and difficult terrain. Additionally, inadequate digital literacy and a lack of affordable broadband solutions further exacerbate the connectivity gap. According to TRAI, rural teledensity stood at just 59.48% in 2021 compared to an overall teledensity of 87.26%, highlighting the stark disparity.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of resilient broadband networks as digital services became indispensable for education, healthcare, and commerce. However, traditional telecom infrastructure often struggles to meet the unique demands of rural geographies, necessitating innovation in materials and design.

DRIVING RURAL TELECOM EXPANSION

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to bridge the connectivity gap. The Government of India has launched several initiatives to bridge the connectivity gap across rural regions. For instance, BharatNet, the flagship programme under Digital India, aims to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats. With an allocation exceeding Rs 70,000 crore as of 2023, the initiative now focuses on last-mile connectivity.