BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country, so far 2,14,325 GPs have been made service ready.

To enable roll out of 5G services, access spectrum in various spectrum bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) including 700 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands has been assigned to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) through spectrum auctions conducted in the year 2022 and 2024. The successful bidders, who acquire spectrum through auctions, are permitted to deploy any IMT technology, including 5G.

The Postal Department has undertaken new initiatives such as the digitization of Post Office Savings Bank services, the transition of Postal Life Insurance to a paperless and online system, the establishment of Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras and collaboration with e-commerce entities in rural and urban areas to promote banking, insurance, and e-commerce in rural regions.

The spectrum auction process is transparent and non-discriminatory, beginning with a publicly shared Notice Inviting Application (NIA) detailing rules, timelines, and eligibility. The auction itself is conducted online through a secure, Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) audited Electronic Auction System.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has undertaken multiple initiatives to promote innovation and domestic manufacturing in the communications sector. Under the 'Digital Communications Innovation Square (DCIS)' scheme, DoT has supported 126 projects led by start-ups and MSMEs, with a total budget outlay of ₹108 crore, to foster the development of advanced technologies, including indigenous 5G.

Additionally, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for telecom and networking products, notified on 24.02.2021 and effective from April’21, aims to boost domestic manufacturing with an outlay of ₹12,195 crore. A total of 42 companies—28 MSMEs and 14 non-MSMEs—have been approved as beneficiaries under the PLI scheme. As of 31^st May 2025, PLI beneficiary companies have collectively invested INR 4,305 crores, generating sales worth INR 85,391 crores which includes exports of INR 16,414 Cr. This investment has also resulted in employment for 28,067 individuals.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

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Samrat / Allen

(Release ID: 2147405)