The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country at a total cost of Rs. 26,316 crore.
Under the project 4G mobile services, which provides high-speed data, will be provided in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas.
Additionally, 6,279 villages which currently have only 2G/3G connectivity will also be upgraded to receive 4G connectivity.
The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc, an official statement said here.
The project will be executed by the public sector Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) using a Atmanirbhar Bharat (Made in India) 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
The project cost of Rs. 26,316 crore includes capital expenditure (capex) and also five-year operating expense (opex), the government said.
“The project is a significant step towards the vision of the government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas,” the government added.
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