Connecting unconnected: policy for national broadband network in rural/remote areas- financing and economic benefits

Abstract

India has become the fastest growing large economy. empowering citizen is the key agenda for the government, and there are several initiatives for the effective socio-economic growth of citizens. Access to high speed broadband is a key infrastructure for socio-economic development of any country in the modern age. Its democratizing influence has the power to reshape the marginalized sections of the economy. Affordable and accessible broadband is a vital development enabler for building inclusive and sustainable knowledge societies. It enhances productivity and national competitiveness, acts as a crucible for innovation in social and economic sectors and enables better governance. With the rise of the 21st century, India’s telecom sector fostered the socio-economic growth as remotest part of India got connected. From, banking, education, e-commerce, rural connectivity, nothing has been untouched by innovations in the Telecom Sector. India’s telecom sector is still going strong and has been one of the most dynamic sectors that has not only evolved with time but has also played a crucial role in shaping India’s vibrant economy. In other words, India’s telecom sector has certainly been a vital cog in the wheels of its development. Inclusion of rural areas in the telecom map will strengthen the network and enable it to deliver multiple services in communication-starved rural areas. Telecom growth and broadband development agenda for the next few decades should not only focus on increasing connectivity but providing accessibility at affordable cost to cater to economic progress and achieving that in a sustainable manner. Providing Broadband connectivity to every gram panchayat is the mission in right earnest for connecting unconnected to bridge digital divide. India needs to invest in an infrastructure of quality that is universally accessible and which provides services at an affordable price level. The important role of public funding initiatives is to complement the insufficient private investments by selecting those investment models that catalyze interest from a variety of private investors and foster open competition among all market players. This paper brief on managing USOF funds on the strengths and weaknesses of different models of investment in high speed internet infrastructures and on the technological, regulatory and policy issues that are at stake in the case of each of these models. By exploring other innovative investment models developed at national, regional or local level. strategies for Digital India are key to inclusive growth where optical fiber network act as important link.