National Broadband Mission 2.0 | NBM 2.0 India | National Broadband Mission 2025‑2030 | NBM 2.0 5G rollout 6G preparation | NBM 2.0 GatiShakti Sanchar portal
The National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, launched on January 17, 2025, by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the leadership of Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, marks a significant step toward achieving universal, affordable, and high-speed broadband connectivity across India. Building on the foundational achievements of NBM 1.0, which was introduced in 2019, this ambitious initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital infrastructure, and propel India into a new era of digital transformation and global competitiveness by 2030. This article explores the objectives, key features, strategies, and broader implications of NBM 2.0, highlighting its role in fostering inclusive growth, economic development, and technological advancement.
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National Broadband Mission 2.0: Background and Context
India’s telecommunications sector has undergone remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by initiatives like the Digital India program launched in 2015. By 2025, India boasts 1.19 billion telecom subscribers and an overall tele-density of 84.46%, with broadband subscriptions reaching 941 million, including 79.98 crore wireless and 3.23 crore wireline connections. The optical fiber cable (OFC) network has expanded significantly, from 19.35 lakh route kilometers in 2019 to 41.91 lakh route kilometers, while telecom towers have increased to 8,17,000. Despite these advancements, disparities in broadband access persist, particularly between urban and rural areas, socio-economic groups, and educational institutions. Rural internet penetration, while improved, stands at 45 subscribers per 100 people, compared to higher urban penetration rates.
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| National Broadband Mission 2.0 |
NBM 1.0, launched in 2019, aimed to provide broadband access to all villages by 2022, laying 30 lakh route kilometers of OFC and increasing tower density from 0.42 to 1 tower per thousand people by 2024. While it achieved significant progress, including the establishment of nearly 8 lakh telecom towers and facilitating the world’s fastest 5G rollout, it fell short of its universal connectivity target. NBM 2.0 builds on these successes, addressing gaps and setting more ambitious goals to ensure equitable digital access by 2030.
National cooperative policy 2025 2045
National Broadband Mission 2.0
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | January 17, 2025, by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). |
| Objective | Universal, affordable, high-speed broadband by 2030. |
| Fiber Connectivity | Extend optical fiber to 2.7 lakh villages with 95% uptime. |
| Anchor Institutions | Connect 90% of schools, healthcare centers, and panchayats. |
| Broadband Speed | Minimum 100 Mbps fixed broadband speed nationwide. |
| Rural Penetration | Increase rural internet subscribers to 60 per 100 people. |
| 5G & 6G Support | Facilitate 5G rollout (USD 180B GDP contribution) and prepare for 6G. |
| Sustainability | 30% of mobile towers powered by sustainable energy by 2030. |
| BharatNet Project | Provide broadband to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand. |
| Gati Shakti Portal | Reduce RoW approval time to 30 days by 2030. |
Employment linked incentive eli scheme
Objectives of NBM 2.0
NBM 2.0 is designed to accelerate the growth of digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity in rural and remote areas, and prepare India for future technologies like 5G and 6G. Its primary objectives include:
- Expanding Optical Fiber Connectivity: The mission aims to extend OFC connectivity to 2.7 lakh villages by 2030, up from approximately 50,000 villages currently, with a target of 95% uptime to ensure reliability. This expansion will connect the remaining 1.7 lakh unconnected villages, addressing the digital divide in rural and remote regions.
- Connecting Anchor Institutions: By 2030, 90% of anchor institutions—such as schools, primary healthcare centers (PHCs), anganwadi centers, and panchayat offices—will have broadband access, ensuring digital inclusion for critical public services.
- Enhancing Broadband Speeds: NBM 2.0 targets a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps nationwide, up from the current national average of 63.55 Mbps as of November 2024. This will improve user experience and support data-intensive applications.
- Affordability and Inclusivity: The mission emphasizes affordable broadband services to bridge socio-economic divides, ensuring that digital access is accessible to all segments of society.
- Facilitating 5G and 6G Technologies: NBM 2.0 aims to support the nationwide rollout of 5G networks, which is expected to contribute up to 2% to India’s GDP by 2030 (approximately USD 180 billion), while laying the groundwork for future 6G deployment.
- Sustainability and Resilience: The mission includes a target to power 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy sources by 2030, promoting environmental sustainability. It also leverages infrastructure like Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) from the power sector to enhance connectivity during emergencies and disasters.
- Increasing Rural Internet Penetration: NBM 2.0 aims to increase rural internet subscribers from 45 to 60 per 100 people by 2030, further reducing the urban-rural digital gap.
- Streamlining Infrastructure Deployment: The mission focuses on reducing the average Right of Way (RoW) approval time from 60 days to 30 days by 2030, compared to 449 days in 2019, to facilitate faster telecom infrastructure deployment.
Key Features and Initiatives of NBM 2.0
NBM 2.0 incorporates several innovative features and initiatives to achieve its objectives:
- BharatNet Project: A cornerstone of NBM 2.0, the amended BharatNet project aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages on demand. In Tamil Nadu, for example, 10,298 out of 12,524 GPs have been made service-ready as of February 28, 2025, with 53,511 route kilometers of OFC laid at a cost of ₹1,544.44 crore. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has awarded a ₹3,000 crore contract to Polycab Services to support this initiative.
- Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal: Launched on May 14, 2022, this portal streamlines RoW permissions for OFC laying and telecom tower installation, significantly reducing deployment timelines. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, effective from January 1, 2025, further enhance this process.
- Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): Replacing the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), DBN funds initiatives to ensure stable broadband connectivity in rural areas. It supports projects like Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-funded 4G sites, enabling multiple telecom providers (e.g., BSNL, Airtel, Reliance) to share tower infrastructure, benefiting over 35,400 villages.
- Sanchar Saathi Mobile App: Launched alongside NBM 2.0, this app enhances telecom security by allowing users to report fraudulent calls and messages through its “Chakshu” feature, contributing to safer digital communication.
- 5G Intelligent Village Initiative: This initiative harnesses 5G technology to uplift rural communities, aligning with the government’s vision of Antyodaya (uplifting the last person in society). It strengthens 4G networks and prepares for 5G deployment in rural areas.
- Satellite Broadband: To address connectivity challenges in hilly, tribal, and border regions, NBM 2.0 promotes satellite-based internet services, complementing fiber-optic networks.
- PM GatiShakti National MasterPlan: By 2026, NBM 2.0 aims to achieve 100% mapping of fiber networks owned by government PSUs on this platform, facilitating better planning for the BharatNet project.
Implementation Strategies
The success of NBM 2.0 hinges on effective collaboration between the central and state governments, private telecom operators, and other stakeholders. Key strategies include:
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Engaging private telecom providers like Airtel, Reliance, and BSNL to expand infrastructure while leveraging government funding through DBN.
- Policy Reforms: Streamlining RoW approvals and aligning state and central regulations to reduce bureaucratic delays. The Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal and the Telecommunications Act, 2023, are critical enablers.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Promoting green energy for mobile towers and resilient infrastructure like OPGW to ensure connectivity during crises.
- Focus on Remote Areas: Prioritizing connectivity in North-East, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, Aspirational Districts, and border villages through targeted interventions like satellite broadband and 4G expansion.
- Capacity Building: Training local communities and institutions to utilize broadband services effectively, particularly in education, healthcare, and governance.
Challenges and Mitigation Measures
Despite its ambitious goals, NBM 2.0 faces several challenges:
- Geographical Barriers: Remote and hilly regions pose logistical challenges for laying OFC and installing towers. Satellite broadband and mobile connectivity solutions will address these gaps.
- Funding Constraints: The high cost of infrastructure deployment requires sustained investment. DBN and PPPs will play a crucial role in mobilizing resources.
- Digital Literacy: Low digital literacy in rural areas may limit adoption. Community training programs and awareness campaigns will be essential.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Variations in state-level RoW policies can delay implementation. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, and standardized guidelines aim to address this.
Broader Implications
NBM 2.0 has far-reaching implications for India’s socio-economic and technological landscape:
- Economic Growth: Enhanced connectivity will boost sectors like agriculture, e-commerce, and education, with 5G expected to contribute USD 180 billion to GDP by 2030.
- Social Inclusion: Connecting anchor institutions will improve access to education and healthcare, reducing disparities in rural areas.
- Global Competitiveness: By preparing for 6G and strengthening digital infrastructure, India aims to position itself as a leader in the global digital economy.
- Environmental Sustainability: The shift to sustainable energy for mobile towers aligns with India’s climate goals.
Conclusion
The National Broadband Mission 2.0 (2025–2030) is a transformative initiative that builds on the successes of NBM 1.0 while addressing its shortcomings. By extending high-speed broadband to 2.7 lakh villages, connecting 90% of anchor institutions, and preparing for future technologies like 5G and 6G, NBM 2.0 aims to create a digitally inclusive India. Supported by innovative tools like the Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal, the Sanchar Saathi app, and the BharatNet project, the mission is poised to bridge the digital divide, foster economic growth, and enhance India’s global standing. As it commences on April 1, 2025, NBM 2.0 represents a bold step toward realizing the vision of a digitally empowered nation where every citizen, regardless of location or socio-economic status, has access to the opportunities afforded by high-speed internet connectivity.
National Broadband Mission 2.0 FAQ
Q. What is the National Broadband Mission 2.0?
NBM 2.0 is a government initiative launched on January 17, 2025, to provide universal, affordable, and high-speed broadband connectivity across India by 2030. It builds on NBM 1.0 (2019) to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital infrastructure, and support technologies like 5G and 6G.
Q. What are the main objectives of NBM 2.0?
- Extend optical fiber connectivity to 2.7 lakh villages with 95% uptime by 2030.
- Provide broadband to 90% of anchor institutions (schools, healthcare centers, panchayats, etc.).
- Achieve a minimum fixed broadband speed of 100 Mbps nationwide.
- Increase rural internet penetration to 60 subscribers per 100 people.
- Support 5G rollout and prepare for 6G.
- Power 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy.
- Reduce Right of Way (RoW) approval time to 30 days.
Q. How is NBM 2.0 different from NBM 1.0?
NBM 1.0 (2019–2024) aimed to connect all villages by 2022 and laid 30 lakh route kilometers of optical fiber cable (OFC). While it achieved significant progress, it fell short of universal connectivity. NBM 2.0 sets more ambitious targets, focuses on rural connectivity, higher speeds, affordability, and future technologies like 6G, with enhanced policy frameworks like the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Q. What is the BharatNet project under NBM 2.0?
BharatNet is a flagship initiative to provide broadband to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand. It involves laying OFC and upgrading infrastructure. For example, in Tamil Nadu, 10,298 of 12,524 Gram Panchayats are service-ready as of February 28, 2025.
Q. How will NBM 2.0 benefit rural areas?
- Connects 1.7 lakh unconnected villages with fiber-optic broadband.
- Increases rural internet penetration from 45 to 60 per 100 people.
- Provides connectivity to rural schools, healthcare centers, and panchayats.
- Supports 5G Intelligent Village Initiative for rural development.
- Uses satellite broadband for remote, hilly, and border areas.
Q. What role does the Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal play?
Launched in 2022, the portal streamlines RoW approvals for laying OFC and installing telecom towers, reducing approval times from 449 days (2019) to a target of 30 days by 2030, facilitating faster infrastructure deployment.
Q. What is Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)?
DBN, replacing the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), funds broadband connectivity in underserved rural areas. It supports projects like Intra Circle Roaming (ICR), enabling multiple telecom providers to share infrastructure in over 35,400 villages.8.
Q. How does the Sanchar Saathi app relate to NBM 2.0?
Launched with NBM 2.0, the Sanchar Saathi app enhances telecom security through its “Chakshu” feature, allowing users to report fraudulent calls and messages, ensuring safer digital communication.
Q. How will NBM 2.0 support 5G and 6G technologies?
- Facilitates nationwide 5G rollout, expected to add USD 180 billion to India’s GDP by 2030.
- Lays groundwork for 6G through advanced infrastructure and research.
- Strengthens 4G networks as a foundation for 5G in rural areas.
Q. What measures ensure affordability of broadband services?
NBM 2.0 emphasizes affordable pricing through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and DBN funding, ensuring broadband access for all socio-economic groups, particularly in rural areas.
Q. How will NBM 2.0 address connectivity in remote areas?
- Deploys satellite broadband for hilly, tribal, and border regions.
- Prioritizes North-East, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, and Aspirational Districts.
- Uses Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for resilient connectivity during emergencies.
Q. What are the sustainability goals of NBM 2.0?
The mission aims to power 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy sources by 2030, aligning with India’s climate goals and promoting environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Q. What challenges does NBM 2.0 face?
- Geographical Barriers: Addressed through satellite broadband and mobile solutions.
- Funding: Supported by DBN and PPPs.
- Digital Literacy: Tackled via community training and awareness campaigns.
- Regulatory Delays: Mitigated by the Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal and the Telecommunications Act, 2023.