BSNL reduces villages without 4G access by three-fourths through saturation scheme
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Prelims·
Digital Divide and infrastructure economics: a key GS3 and Science & Technology case study.
Why in news
BSNL reduced the number of villages without 4G access by three-fourths over four years through a saturation scheme as reported via RTI data.
Background
BSNL implemented a saturation scheme to provide 4G access to uncovered villages. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has not yet approved any satellite internet providers to reach the remaining villages.
Facts for Prelims
- FactBSNL reduced villages without 4G access by three-fourths over a four-year period.
- BodyDepartment of Telecommunications (DoT) is the body responsible for approving satellite internet providers.
- Act / BillThe RTI Act, 2005 was used to obtain data regarding 4G village saturation.
- FactHigh costs for rural fiber and towers are cited as barriers to rural internet deployment.
Prelims practice question
Which body is responsible for approving satellite internet providers to reach uncovered villages?
- (a)Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- (b)Universal Service Obligation Authority
- (c)Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
- (d)Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Show answer
Answer: (d) Department of Telecommunications (DoT) — The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is the body responsible for approving satellite internet providers.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the economic and logistical challenges in achieving universal high-speed internet connectivity in India's rural landscape.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Economic viability: High capital expenditure for fiber and towers relative to low user density in sparse villages
- Regulatory gap: Pending approval of satellite internet providers to bridge the last-mile connectivity gap
Keywords: Digital Divide · Last-mile Connectivity · Infrastructure Economics · Universal Service Obligation · Rural Connectivity
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.