By 2024, Every Village In India To Be Connected With 4G: Telecom Minister

New Delhi, 30th April 2023: By 2024, all unconnected villages would have 4G service, according to Devusinh Chauhan, the Minister of State for Communication of India.

Speaking to PTI, the minister said, “In terms of the 4G saturation effort, 38,000 to 40,000 communities lack signal. The prime minister commends your efforts but urges you to reach out to every household. By 2024, we still intend to reach 4G saturation.

According to the minister, the deployment of 4G in all unconnected areas will result in socioeconomic change and close the digital divide.

In July 2022, the Union Cabinet authorized a project for the nationwide saturation of 4G mobile services at a total cost of Rs 26,316 crore.

In 24,680 undeveloped settlements in tough terrain, the initiative will offer 4G mobile services.

The project incorporates a clause that allows for the inclusion of 20% more villages due to rehabilitation, new settlements, the withdrawal of services by present operators, etc.

Furthermore, 6,279 villages with only 2G and 3G connectivity will get 4G upgrades.

The project will be carried out by BSNL utilizing a 4G technology stack that was built domestically, and it will be sponsored by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

According to the minister, 4 lakh villages will soon be connected to a high-speed internet network, and around 2.5 lakh villages have already been connected to optical fiber.