Internet connections in India crossed 50 crore mark in 2018. In India, according to TRAI, there are 56 crore narrow and broadband connections, as of September 30, 2018.

Of the 56 crore connections, 36 crore or 64 per cent are in urban areas and 19.4 crore or 36 per cent are in rural areas. Just five states — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra account for 20 crore or 36 per cent of all in internet connections in India.

Bharat Net Project has connected 1.1 lac gram panchayats. Out of 56 crore (560 million) total internet connections, 54 crore are through mobile phones and the remaining 2 crore through broadband. The 54-crore mobile connections represent a subscriber-base of 35 crore. The 2-crore broad- band connections are also estimated to be a part of those 35 crore subscribers.

Digital Infrastructure

To provide broadband for all and leverage technological advances such as 5G and IOT, we have to build up high-quality infrastructure. High-count, bend-and-pressure resistant optical fibre networks, quality towers and Wi-fi hotpots are significant contributors towards future-proofing India. Almost 65 per cent of the country is yet to get online. India encourages connectivity.

We have to consider 5G wireless tower technology. These promote faster downloads and large amounts of data. These are smaller and more compact than the traditional towers. They are more energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasant.

5G will give a big boost to the setting up of smart homes and smart cities. It is proposed to set up 5 million Wi-Fi hot spots by 2020 and 10 million by 2022.

It will stimulate the make in India policy too.