India's Telecom Future: Shift From Connectivity to Digital Usage
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says India's next telecom decade will focus on digital infrastructure usage rather than just connectivity.
The next decade of India's telecommunications journey will be defined by how citizens and the government utilize existing digital networks, rather than simply expanding coverage. This vision was shared by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during the India Mobile Congress 2026.
A Paradigm Shift: From Penetration to Utilization
Reflecting on the massive strides made in the telecommunications sector over the last ten years, Minister Scindia noted that the previous era was defined by three key pillars: scalability, penetration, and affordability. He pointed out that India has seen a staggering rise in broadband subscribers, growing from approximately 60 million to more than 1.1 billion.
A major driver of this transformation has been the dramatic reduction in costs. Scindia highlighted that data tariffs have plummeted by nearly 97%, making high-speed internet accessible to the masses. However, he emphasized that the focus must now evolve.
The Next Decade: 2026–2035
According to the Minister, the period between 2026 and 2035 must represent a new paradigm centered on usage. The objective is to leverage the vast digital infrastructure already in place to drive nation-building and enhance the delivery of government services to every citizen.
“The story of the next decade 2026 to 2035 has to be about usage. The next paradigm is going to be of usage,” Scindia stated. He stressed that the true success of India's digital revolution will be measured by how effectively this infrastructure is integrated into the daily lives of Indians and the operational efficiency of the government.
Strengthening Rural Connectivity and Global Presence
To support this digital evolution, the government is moving forward with significant investments in rural connectivity. Key highlights include:
- BharatNet Expansion: The government is rolling out an amended BharatNet programme with an investment of USD 14 billion.
- Gram Panchayat Connectivity: The initiative aims to connect approximately 2.6 lakh gram panchayats with 100 Mbps fibre connectivity.
Furthermore, the Minister spoke about the evolution of the India Mobile Congress (IMC). Once a venue primarily for showcasing global technologies within India, the IMC has transformed into a premier digital technology platform in Asia.
Looking ahead, Scindia suggested that India's role in the global telecom landscape is set to change. While the previous decade focused on bringing global innovations to India, the upcoming decade should focus on exporting Indian innovation and telecom capabilities to the rest of the world. “The last decade has been about bringing the world to India. The next decade has to be about taking India to the world,” he concluded.