Cabinet approves project to provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages at Rs 26,316 crore

The Union Cabinet earlier this week approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country at a total cost of Rs 26,316 crore. The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas.

The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.

The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar 4G technology stack and funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The project cost of Rs 26,316 crore includes CAPEX and 5-year OPEX.

BSNL is already in the process of deploying the Atmanirbhar 4G technology stack, which will also be deployed in this project. The project will help provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. The project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-education, tele-medicine etc through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.