The recent amendment presents a recommendation of a one-time compensation of INR 1,000 per kilometre for the laying of overhead OFC lines.

October 29, 2021

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has amended the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (RoW) Rules (November 2016), by clearly outlining a framework regarding the laying of overhead optical fibre cables (OFCs). This development can prove extremely crucial in strengthening the broadband and boosting the required 5G infrastructure in the country.

The recent amendment by the telecom department recommends a one-time compensation of INR 1,000 per kilometre for the laying of overhead OFC lines. In addition, the paperwork for the Right of Way (RoW) application has been made simpler than before.

It also states that there will be no other fee than the necessary administrative fees and restoration charges to establish the overhead cables, maintain them, transfer or even re-position them to overground. As per DoT, the amendments will provide much-needed ease in the RoW-related permissions and make the procedure much simpler and convenient.

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Earlier, the RoW Rules had covered only the underground OFCs and the mobile towers.

Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), states, “Optical fibre is a fundamental and structural part of both mobile and fixed broadband networks. Faster rollout of fibre is important for backhauling a large amount of data at high throughput, improving reliability, and reducing latency.”

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Also, it is noteworthy that the consistent fiberisation of telecom networks is a prerequisite in attaining universal broadband connectivity at 50Mbps to every citizen in the country.

According to the views of DIPA, with the said amendment, desired clarity for laying overhead OFC is also available which will go a long way in creating the necessary infrastructure to cater to forthcoming 5G rollouts in the country.