Thousands of villages set to get 4G coverage

Source: The post is based on the article “Thousands of villages set to get 4G coverage” published in The Hindu on 28th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved a project for the saturation of 4G mobile services in the uncovered villages across the country.

What is the 4G saturation project across uncovered villages?

Under this project, 4G mobile services will be provided in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas.

The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc.  

In addition to this, 6,279 villages having only 2G or 3G connectivity will be upgraded to 4G under this project.

Who will execute this project?

The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund. 

What is the significance of this project?

The project is a significant step toward the vision of the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. It will promote the delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, telemedicine, and tele-education through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.