The world is going through a major technological revolution. In order for all the major economies to have seamless connectivity, it became imperative for the countries to move on to the 5G spectrum. Keeping up with the growing need for this change, budget 2022 announced that the 5G mobile services will be rolled out within 2022-23. Initially, this will be launched in major cities including Gurugram, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. She informed that required spectrum auctions will be conducted in 2022 to facilitate the rollout of 5G mobile services within 2022- 23 by private telecom providers.  

A scheme for design-led manufacturing will be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, she added. The government also understands that in order for India’s digital dream to be realized, it is important for internet connectivity to be available across all villages. The minister further said that the laying of fiber optics across villages will be completed by 2025, as part of the BharatNet project. Contracts for laying optical fiber will be awarded through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). This is being done to provide equitable and affordable access to the internet for all. The end goal is to provide the same level of e-services to all villages, as are there for people in urban areas.