DOT Reports 99% of India's Districts Have 5G Access

TechNews

Department of Telecom (DOT) published a press release in which it mentioned about achieving 99% 5G coverage in Indian districts.

Delhi, India – March 15, 2025 – In a significant stride towards digital connectivity, the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has announced that an impressive 99% of districts across India are now equipped with 5G network capabilities. This near-universal coverage marks a major milestone in the country's technological advancement, promising to unlock a new era of high-speed internet access and transformative applications.

The DOT's latest report highlights the rapid deployment of 5G infrastructure across the nation, enabling faster downloads, smoother streaming, and reduced latency for a vast majority of the population. This widespread availability is expected to fuel innovation across various sectors, including e-governance, healthcare, education, and smart city initiatives.

While the announcement celebrates the remarkable progress, the focus will now likely shift towards ensuring consistent and quality 5G service delivery in these regions and addressing the remaining 1% of districts to achieve complete nationwide coverage. This development positions India as a leading nation in the global 5G landscape, paving the way for enhanced digital experiences and economic growth.

Here are some key points..

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) highlighted significant achievements in strengthening India's telecom ecosystem in 2024.
• The Telecommunication Act, 2023, was notified, replacing 140-year-old legacy laws.
• Rapid 5G rollout achieved coverage in over 99% of districts with 4.62 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
• The 4G Saturation Project was approved to provide 4G coverage to all villages.
• The Kochi-Lakshadweep submarine cable was dedicated, improving connectivity in Lakshadweep with 5G and FTTH services.
• The number of internet subscribers increased to 96.96 crore.
• The average cost of 1GB of mobile data reduced to $0.16.
• India hosted the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) for the first time in the Asia Pacific region.
• India's ranking improved in the Network Readiness Index and Global Cybersecurity Index.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the telecom sector increased.
• The promotion of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) was supported through Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
• Citizens were empowered through the Sanchar Saathi portal to prevent misuse of telecom resources.

Source here.