The Government of India is strengthening digital infrastructure in rural areas through initiatives like BharatNet, the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, and PMGDISHA.

The BharatNet project is expanding broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats and villages, with network upgrades ensuring reliable, high-speed internet. The National Broadband Mission 2.0, launched on January 17, 2025, aims to fast-track digital connectivity, bridge the digital divide, and foster inclusion.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), over 6.39 crore individuals in rural households have been trained in digital literacy, exceeding the target of 6 crore. Independent evaluations confirm that PMGDISHA has significantly boosted ICT adoption and reduced the digital divide.

Since the launch of NBM in 2019, India has witnessed a surge in broadband penetration, with subscribers increasing from 66 crore to 94.49 crore and average monthly wireless data consumption doubling from 10GB to 21.10GB. Internet speeds have also seen remarkable growth, with mobile broadband speeds rising from 10.71 Mbps in 2019 to 144.33 Mbps in 2025.

Key initiatives such as the GatiShakti Sanchar portal, Telecom Right of Way Rules 2024, and ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) app are driving faster telecom infrastructure deployment. With 42.13 lakh km of optical fiber cable laid and 4.69 lakh 5G BTSs installed, India continues to advance towards universal broadband access and digital empowerment.