The National Broadband Mission (NBM) in India

December 2019

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The National Broadband Mission (NBM) in India, initiated by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications, aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital communications across all sections of society. The vision is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy by providing broadband connectivity to every village, promoting e-governance, transparency, financial inclusion, and ease of doing business.

Background

Broadband connectivity is vital for holistic growth across various sectors. With over 625.42 million broadband connections as of September 2019, India’s telecommunications sector has seen significant growth. The National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) of 2018 recognizes digital communications as critical to India’s growth, aiming for ‘Broadband for All’ to foster inclusive and equitable growth.

Importance of Broadband

Broadband connectivity impacts various sectors, including agriculture, SMEs, healthcare, and education. It stimulates job creation, operational efficiency, and socio-economic development. Studies have shown a direct link between increased internet subscribers and GDP growth in India, emphasizing the transformative potential of broadband.

Present State of Broadband

India has witnessed substantial growth in broadband connections, from 61 million in 2014 to 625 million in 2019. However, the coverage remains uneven, with rural areas significantly underserved. Only 27% of rural areas have broadband connectivity compared to 70%-80% in well-connected nations, indicating a need for enhanced infrastructure.

Challenges

Several challenges hinder the rollout of broadband, particularly in rural and remote areas. High infrastructure costs, complicated Right-of-Way (RoW) policies, and low population density make it difficult to create a viable business case. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders.

Need for National Broadband Mission

The NBM aims to provide universal and affordable broadband access, bridging the digital divide. The mission will facilitate the creation of digital infrastructure and coordinate efforts among stakeholders, including government bodies, industry, and civil society, to achieve the goal of ‘Broadband for All.’

Objectives

The mission focuses on three main principles:

  1. Universality: Ensure ubiquitous broadband services.
  2. Affordability: Provide affordable broadband services to all citizens.
  3. Quality: Ensure high-speed, reliable broadband access.

Key objectives include:

  • Universal access to broadband, especially in rural and remote areas.
  • Policy and regulatory changes to accelerate digital infrastructure expansion.
  • Creation of a digital fiber map.
  • Collaboration with stakeholders for investments and infrastructure development.
  • Adoption of innovative technologies and implementation models for RoW.
  • Development of a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI).

Deliverables and Outcomes

The mission aims to:

  • Provide broadband access to all villages by 2022.
  • Deliver high-speed broadband (up to 50 Mbps) across the country.
  • Increase the Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) network from 22 lakh km to 50 lakh km.
  • Enhance tower density from 0.42 to 1.0 per thousand population.
  • Fiberize 70% of telecom towers.
  • Facilitate the rollout of 5G networks and strengthen 4G infrastructure.
  • Promote domestic manufacturing through policy measures.

Implementation Structure

The NBM will have a multi-tiered structure:

  1. Governing Council for Broadband: Headed by the Minister of Communications, providing overall guidance and policy direction.
  2. Broadband Steering Committee: Headed by the Secretary (Telecom), facilitating implementation and monitoring progress.
  3. State Broadband Committees: Encouraging state-level implementation and addressing local challenges.

Funding and Monitoring

The mission requires substantial investment, estimated at $100 billion, primarily from the private sector with government contributions. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) will be explored to extend coverage to remote areas. Monitoring will be conducted at central, state, and district levels through a common dashboard and reporting tool.

The National Broadband Mission aims to ensure digital inclusion, fostering socio-economic development and transforming India into a digitally empowered nation.