Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted that India currently offers the world’s most affordable data rates and witnesses the highest data consumption, thanks to its robust digital infrastructure. With over 1.2 billion mobile users nationwide, the 4G network is set to extend to every village by June this year.
Scindia praised India’s digital progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the country’s record-low data expenses and exceptional data utilization. State-owned BSNL has already set up 97,068 4G sites, with 93,511 sites operational as of October 31, 2025, and plans to transition all 4G towers to 5G in the coming months.
The rollout of 5G services has covered all states and union territories in India, reaching 99.9% of districts. Telecom service providers have established 5.08 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) nationwide by the end of October. Additionally, initiatives like the BharatNet project and the 4G Saturation scheme aim to enhance connectivity in rural and underserved areas.
Private telecom companies and state-led providers are actively expanding the telecom infrastructure. Scindia stressed the importance of aligning technology, spectrum, devices, applications, and sustainability for innovation growth. He also highlighted the significance of spectrum policy in India’s 6G strategy, noting the country’s ongoing spectrum refarming efforts.
