Launching on April 1, 2025, NBM 2.0 aims to ensure universal and equitable access to high-speed broadband services over the next five years. The mission will focus on implementing necessary policy and regulatory changes, introducing new Right of Way (RoW) rules, and leveraging Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) infrastructure from the power sector to enhance connectivity, particularly in hilly and remote regions. Additionally, it will promote sustainable solutions in the telecom sector.
Mar 25, 2025
The Government is launching National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 on April 1, 2025 to address the challenges of telecom infrastructure deployment across the country.
NBM 1.0 has actively addressed the lack of single window system for Right of Way (RoW) approvals, misalignment of State/UT RoW rules with central rules and the need of active coordination with active stakeholders. It also facilitated the rollout of 5G networks across the country, making it the fastest rollout in the world. Under NBM 1.0, optical fiber cable (OFC) length increased from 19.35 lakh route km to 41.91 lakh route km. Moreover, the number of broadband subscribers increased from 66 crore to 94 crore.
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The NBM 2.0 builds upon this strength and aims to propel India to a new era of digital transformation and global competitiveness. The objectives of this new mission over the next 5 years are: to ensure universal and equitable access to high-speed broadband services, to address the necessary policy and regulatory changes, to work on new RoW rules as per the new Telecom Act 2023, creation of a digital map of the digital communications network, leveraging satellite broadband internet as an effective and competitive technology, particularly in remote and rural areas, leveraging assets like OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) of the power sector to provide and improve broadband connectivity with a special focus on hilly and remote regions of the country, and to pioneer sustainable solutions in the telecom sector.
The NBM2.0 will provide connectivity through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) to all the Gram Panchayat villages and all other villages on demand. By institutionalizing Public-Private Partnerships and leveraging the optical fiber network established and being set up under BharatNet, the goal is to deliver last-mile connectivity and high-speed broadband, ensuring meaningful connectivity for all.
Further, this scheme will facilitate rollout of the 5G network, especially in rural & remote areas and strengthening of the 4G network. 5G is expected to contribute up to 2% of India’s GDP, amounting to USD 180 billion by 2030.
Additionally, it will support the 5G Intelligent Village initiative, which addresses the pressing need for equitable technological advancement by harnessing the transformative power of 5G technology to uplift rural communities and to fulfil the vision of Antyodaya of the Government of India.
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Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications of India, said, ”The National Broadband
Mission (NBM) 2.0 builds on the success of NBM 1.0 and aims to not only connect villages but also drive high-speed broadband connectivity to anchor institutions such as schools, PHCs, Anganwadi centres, and panchayat offices. By leveraging 5G and satellite broadband, the mission will ensure high speed and meaningful connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas, while promoting sustainable development through green energy solutions.”
With a continued focus on its core principles of universality, affordability, and quality, the mission will ensure that high-speed broadband services reach every corner of the country, particularly rural and remote areas.
