Sat May 31 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Telecom Sector Booming, Poised for Global Innovation, Says Minister

**New Delhi, May 31, 2025:** India’s telecom industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and is on the cusp of becoming a global innovation hub, according to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Speaking ahead of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, themed “Innovate to Transform,” Mr. Scindia highlighted the sector’s impressive expansion, driven by increasing data usage and accessibility.

“We should be able to hit one billion Internet users within the first half of next year, or even within this fiscal year” said Mr. Scindia. Internet subscribers have surged from 250 million to 974 million under Prime Minister Modi’s administration. Broadband connectivity has also seen exponential growth.

India has become the cheapest data market globally, fostering innovation and investment, Mr. Scindia noted. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond being consumers of global tech to becoming creators and innovators. Initiatives like the Bharat 6G Alliance aim to contribute significantly to global 6G standards.

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has further boosted domestic manufacturing, transforming India from an 80% importer of mobile phones to a major exporter.

Addressing rural connectivity, Mr. Scindia outlined the ambitious BharatNet project, the world’s largest public sector investment in grassroots connectivity. BharatNet II aims to connect the remaining 2.64 lakh gram panchayats with improved technology and infrastructure.

Regarding Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VIL)’s financial challenges, Mr. Scindia affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a healthy telecom market with four operators, including the state-owned operator. The government, with a 49% stake in VIL, does not intend to increase it further.

The Post Office Act of 2023 is modernizing India Post, enabling it to offer a broader range of services, including digital access codes for precise location-based delivery. This initiative, similar to UPI and Digi Yatra, aims to enhance efficiency and benefit both customers and service providers.

With a focus on innovation, infrastructure development, and supportive policies, India is poised to lead the global telecom revolution, concluded Mr. Scindia. The IMC 2025 is expected to draw over 150,000 visitors from 150 countries, showcasing India’s growing prowess in the telecom sector.

Read More