Context: The Ministry of Communications has released the Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2025, which proposes a shift toward domestic telecom manufacturing and greener technologies.

What is the Draft NTP 2025?

The Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2025 is a forward-looking policy framework developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to guide India’s telecom growth between 2025 and 2030. It aims to boost self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), ensure universal digital access, and prepare for emerging technologies like 6G and quantum communication.

Key Features of the Draft NTP 2025:

1. Domestic Manufacturing Push

• Proposes incentives for telecom operators using Indian-made equipment.
• Targets to replace 50% of telecom imports with domestically manufactured products.
• Seeks to support Indian firms like Tejas Networks and HFCL.

2. Research, Development, and Innovation

• Plans to double national telecom R&D investment.
• Aims to support 500 tech startups and secure 10% of global 6G-related intellectual property rights (IPRs).
• Encourages innovation through blended finance and fund-of-funds models.

3. Infrastructure and Universal Connectivity

• Targets 100% 4G and 90% 5G network coverage by 2030.
• Increase fiberization of telecom towers from 46% to 80%.
• Connect all gram panchayats via BharatNet, with 98% uptime.
• Expand fixed-line broadband to 100 million homes.
• Roll out 1 million public Wi-Fi hotspots to boost rural and underserved connectivity.

4. Employment and Skill Development

• Plans to create 1 million jobs.
• Train and upskill another 1 million workers in areas like 5G, AI, and quantum tech.

5. Export and Investment

• Goal to double telecom exports.
• Attract ?1 trillion in annual investments into the telecom sector.

6. Secure and Trusted Telecom Networks

• Introduce stringent equipment audits to eliminate non-trusted hardware.
• Promote quantum-secure communication systems for national security.

7. Green Telecom and Sustainability

• Aim to reduce the telecom sector’s carbon footprint by 30%.
• Encourage sustainable infrastructure deployment and clean energy adoption across networks.
• Promote energy-efficient telecom towers, low-power devices, and eco-friendly materials.

Significance of the Policy:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat in Telecom: Reduces dependency on Chinese imports by prioritizing local manufacturing.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Strengthens rural digital infrastructure via BharatNet and public Wi-Fi.
• Fixing PLI Gaps: Addresses challenges in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme through clearer policy support and demand creation.
• Positioning for Future Tech: Prepares India to lead in the global 6G race, leveraging innovation and startup ecosystems.
• Environment-Focused Reform: Integrates green energy and carbon reduction goals, aligning telecom growth with environmental priorities.

Conclusion:

The Draft NTP 2025 outlines a holistic transformation of India’s telecom sector, focusing on self-reliance, innovation, digital inclusivity, security, and environmental sustainability. Its success will depend on effective implementation, strong industry-government coordination, and the ability to adapt rapidly to technological and environmental challenges.