• Source:JND
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Nearly seven years after its last telecom policy, the Indian government is preparing to roll out a new national strategy for the sector. On Thursday, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released the draft National Telecom Policy 2025 for public feedback. The proposed policy returns to a telecom-centric framework, moving away from the broader scope of the 2018 National Digital Communications Policy.

At the heart of the new vision is the aim to transform India into “a telecom product nation that is driven by innovation and that universally connects its citizens meaningfully, securely, and sustainably.”

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Unlike its predecessor, which encompassed the entire digital communications ecosystem, the new draft focuses more narrowly on the telecom sector. It outlines plans to significantly expand connectivity, modernise the domestic telecom manufacturing ecosystem, and create 10 lakh new jobs, while also upskilling an equal number of existing workers. While this employment target is lower than the NDCP’s 40 lakh goal, it’s more focused on sector-specific growth.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Targets

The policy sets ambitious goals to expand network coverage and accessibility. It aims to provide 5G coverage to 90% of the population and 100% coverage with 4G by 2030. One of the major infrastructure upgrades includes increasing the proportion of telecom towers connected by fibre links—currently at 46%—to 80%, ensuring faster and more reliable service.

The draft also proposes setting up 1 million public Wi-Fi hotspots, a scaled-down but focused version of the 2018 policy’s broader vision. In areas where fibre or tower infrastructure is difficult to deploy, satellite internet is being encouraged as an alternative to ensure universal access.

Boosting Domestic Manufacturing and R&D

In an effort to strengthen India's position in global telecom standards and reduce reliance on imports, the draft policy emphasises local innovation. It proposes a 150% increase in domestic telecom manufacturing by 2030, supported by the development of a Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ)—a dedicated ecosystem for telecom equipment design and production.

To push global leadership in emerging technologies like 6G, the draft suggests incentivising research and development (R&D) and promoting Indian participation in international standard-setting forums. One notable suggestion is to recognise such participation as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity.

AI and Telecom Cybersecurity

The draft recognizes the two-edged nature of artificial intelligence in the telecommunication industry. AI has the potential to be a cyber attacker's tool, such as generative AI-powered bots, but at the same time, it can be utilized for defense purposes, such as in systems that will identify and block mass-scale cyberattacks.

AI is also suggested for enhancing user experience, most importantly complaint resolution through "unified portal and utilization of … chatbots," making customer support services of the telecom ecosystem more streamlined.

Security and Border Protection

Building on concerns carried forward from the 2018 policy, the draft underscores the importance of telecom security. It proposes improved monitoring of Indian and foreign satellites to manage satellite carrier interference and enhanced network surveillance in border areas to reduce cross-border signal spillover.

In addition, it supports ongoing regulatory efforts, like the mobile number validation service, which would allow organisations to confirm user identity. The draft guidelines for this service were released earlier this month for public consultation.

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Interestingly, while the 2018 policy had specific language around “lawful interception,” the new draft removes this phrasing. Instead, it shifts focus to quantum-secure communications, indicating a broader shift toward next-generation digital safety standards.

Sustainability and Circular Economy Goals

The new policy also introduces stronger environmental goals. It targets a 30% reduction in the sector’s carbon footprint and promotes a circular economy approach, emphasising recycling of telecom equipment and materials to minimise waste and promote sustainable development.

Next Steps

As the draft opens for public comment, industry stakeholders, policy experts, and citizens will have the opportunity to provide input before the final version is adopted. If implemented effectively, the National Telecom Policy 2025 could pave the way for a more connected, secure, and technologically advanced India.