Telecom infra deployed at 2X speed in last 3 years, DIPA

Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), the leading association of telecom industry revealed that the telecom infrastructure including telecom towers, small cells, laying fiber cable has seen significant growth at 2x speed in the deployment of telecom infrastructure in India in last 3 years.

Exponential growth in mobile broadband has fueled the digital economy.

According to DIPA, in 2020 only 16 States/UT’s out of 36 States/UT’s were aligned with Right of Way (RoW) Rules November 2016, currently 35 States/UT’s are aligned with RoW Rules November 2016 boosting the creation of robust digital infrastructure in the country.

In July 2020, India had 5.93 Lakh telecom towers which has increased to 7.68 lakh telecom towers in August 2023. The fiber laid in 2021 was 26,61,968 km increased to 3726577 km in 2023.

Mr. T.R.Dua, Director-General, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association said,” The telecom industry has witnessed a transformative change thanks to the effective telecom reforms followed by various initiatives laid down by the government which has eased the telecom infra deployment process in the country leading to such a massive growth in just span of 3 years. Department of Telecommunications intervention in various states had strike the right balance between fostering rapid deployment and ensuring that quality, safety, and environmental considerations are upheld.”

Getting the clearance for RoW applications used to be a big hurdle in faster deployment of telecom infrastructure in the country. The clearance of RoW applications which earlier used to take approximately 230 Days now has come down to lesser than 7 days and in few states, telecom infrastructure industry has witnessed getting clearance of RoW application in 1 Day as well.

India’s 5G roll-out is one of the fastest in the world. Telcos have deployed nearly 3 lac BTSs since the launch of 5G services ie 1st Oct, 2022 till 24th Jul, 2023.

The number of internet connections in India are more than 83.69 crore, number of broadband connections have reached to 81.62 crore and presently in India the 1GB Data cost is Rs 10.29.

This acceleration can be attributed to several key factors:

Technological Innovations: Advancements in technology, such as more efficient base stations, improved antenna designs, and enhanced networking protocols, have allowed for quicker and more streamlined deployment of telecom infrastructure.

5G Rollout: The deployment of 5G networks has been a major driving force behind the increased speed of telecom infrastructure deployment. 5G promises higher data speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity, necessitating the installation of new equipment and infrastructure.

Government Support and Regulations: Government of India have taken steps to streamline regulatory processes and provide incentives to telecom companies to expedite infrastructure deployment. This has reduced bureaucratic hurdles and allowed for faster implementation.

Fiber Optic Expansion: The deployment of fiber optic cables, which provide high-speed and reliable connectivity, has been a major focus. Expanding fiber optic networks is crucial for supporting the increased data demands of modern communications.

Infrastructure Sharing: Telecom companies are increasingly collaborating and sharing infrastructure to reduce costs and expedite deployment. This approach avoids unnecessary duplication of resources and speeds up the overall process.

Increased Investment: Telecommunication companies, recognizing the potential of new technologies and services, have been investing more heavily in infrastructure expansion. This increased investment has enabled quicker deployment to meet growing demand.

Demand for Connectivity: The rapid proliferation of connected devices, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and data-hungry services has created a higher demand for network capacity. Telecom companies are responding by accelerating infrastructure deployment.

Automation and AI: Automation tools and artificial intelligence are being employed to optimize network planning, site selection, and deployment processes. These technologies help in identifying the best locations for infrastructure deployment and improving operational efficiency.

Improved Project Management: More efficient project management practices, including better coordination among stakeholders, improved supply chain management, and streamlined construction processes, contribute to faster deployment.

Satellite Internet: Some regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure have turned to satellite-based internet solutions, which can be deployed relatively quickly to provide connectivity in remote areas.

CT Bureau