Goa cabinet nod to amend telecom infra policy to roll out 5G services

In order to ensure a speedy rollout of 5G telecom services across Goa, the State Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to amend the Goa Telecom Infrastructure Policy 2020 to streamline the grant of right of way permissions for setting up infrastructures by paying minimal charges.

Addressing mediapersons post Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the policy is been modified in lines with the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2022, which will create an enabling eco-system for telecom and internet service providers to add infrastructure.

“Goa Telecom Policy will be modified in line with the Government of India’s Telecom Policy to get benefits under the Central schemes and also, to streamline fees and permissions. Under our policy, the rent charges are on higher side, which would be reduced,” he said adding under the modified policy, the State government will levy fees as per the policy laid down by the Union government.

Sawant said that the policy will accelerate the rollout of 5G services and ensure that the saturation of 4G services happens faster.

The Central government amended the Right of Way Rules, last year, making it easier for telecos to set up towers in a bid to speed up rollout of 5G services. As per Central policy, the companies will also not require any approval from authorities for laying cables or installing mobile towers or poles over private properties.

GatiShakti Sanchar Portal will be the single window for getting all the clearances.

As per State policy, a one-time grant of Rs 50,000 will be given to local bodies. For urban areas, Rs 50,000 will be the monthly rent for operators of mobile service. In rural areas, Rs 25,000 will be the rent. Herald Goa