Driving transformative shifts towards digital leadership

India's telecom sector, driven by 5G, bold policies, and cross-sector collaborations, is paving the way to global digital infrastructure leadership

- MANOJ KUMAR SINGH

India's telecommunications sector has emerged as a powerful force on the global stage, positioning the nation as a potential leader in the digital infrastructure revolution. With the world's second-largest telecom market contributing 6.5% to its GDP and projections indicating a market value of USD 69.62 billion by 2029, the country's digital transformation is gaining momentum through strategic cross-sectoral collaborations and innovative initiatives.

India's digital infrastructure has witnessed remarkable growth, with its telephone subscriber base reaching 1,203.69 million as of October 2024. The country's extensive network infrastructure now includes 8.11 lakh towers and an impressive 41.26 lakh kilometres of fibre optic cable coverage.

This robust foundation supports 99% 4G coverage across 600,000 villages and hosts approximately 442,000 5G base stations, demonstrating India's commitment to comprehensive digital connectivity.

TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES DRIVING GROWTH

The government's proactive approach has been instrumental in fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. The National Digital Communications Policy 2018 and Digital India program have set ambitious targets to attract USD 100 billion in investments. The recent Telecommunication Act 2023 and ROW Rules 2024 have modernised the regulatory framework, creating an environment conducive to technological innovation and business growth.