Why rural internet network expansion remains a tough challenge

The Current Status

Data obtained under the RTI Act shows that the number of villages without 4G mobile access has dropped by three-fourths over the past four years. This progress comes from a BSNL scheme aimed at bringing 4G coverage to every uncovered village.

The Expansion Hurdle

Expanding rural internet is difficult because villages are spread far apart and India is not as urbanized as many industrial nations. Telecom companies must spend huge amounts of money to reach very few users. Laying fiber cables and building phone towers in distant villages costs too much when judged by the small number of people who will use them.

Regulatory Delays

The Department of Telecommunications has not yet finished the approval process for any satellite internet provider. Such providers could theoretically reduce the number of unconnected villages to zero.

Context

Reaching remote and scattered populations with high-speed digital infrastructure requires heavy financial investment by network operators. Government schemes and new technology like satellite internet are often looked at to solve coverage gaps where traditional cable setups are too costly.