India’s telecom sector is on the cusp of a transformative era, with the government unveiling an ambitious New Telecom Policy 2025 aimed at doubling exports and generating one million new jobs by 2030. This forward-thinking strategy emphasizes self-sufficiency, universal connectivity, and technological innovation, positioning India as a global telecom powerhouse. Let’s dive into what this policy entails, its goals, and how it plans to reshape the industry.
A Bold Vision for Telecom Growth
The Indian government has been laser-focused on achieving self-reliance in the telecom sector. Through initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, local production of telecom equipment has skyrocketed. As of March 31, 2025, the industry recorded sales of ₹80,927 crore under the PLI scheme, with exports contributing ₹14,915 crore. The new policy sets a target to double telecom product exports by 2030, capitalizing on global demand for Indian-made telecom gear, especially amid disruptions like the US-China tariff war.
This export-driven approach not only strengthens India’s economic position but also creates a ripple effect, fostering job creation and innovation. The policy’s goal of one million new jobs by 2030 underscores its commitment to uplifting the workforce and driving economic growth.
Universal Connectivity: Bridging the Digital Divide
A cornerstone of the New Telecom Policy is ensuring universal connectivity at affordable rates. By 2030, the government aims to:
Complete fiberisation of all gram panchayats under the BharatNet program.
Provide fibre connectivity to all government institutions at the village level.
Expand the fixed-line broadband network from 45 million to 100 million households.
Deploy one million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.
These initiatives are designed to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that even remote areas have access to high-speed internet. By integrating terrestrial and satellite networks, the policy ensures seamless connectivity, empowering rural communities and fostering digital inclusion.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The telecom sector is poised to become a significant job creator, with the policy targeting one million new jobs by 2030. This aligns with broader economic goals outlined in the Economic Survey 2024-25, which estimates a need for 47.1 million non-farm jobs by the same year. The telecom industry’s growth will drive employment in areas like manufacturing, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IoT services.
Moreover, the policy’s focus on export growth taps into global opportunities, particularly as countries seek alternatives to Chinese telecom equipment amid geopolitical tensions. With India’s telecom exports to the US already valued at $6 billion, the sector is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the global market.
Leveraging Technology for a Connected Future
The New Telecom Policy 2025 emphasizes a technology-agnostic approach, allowing any wired or wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) communication technology that meets performance benchmarks. This flexibility is crucial for supporting critical IoT services, which the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommends classifying as critical services due to their impact on national security, economy, and public safety.
From smart cities to healthcare and agriculture, IoT and M2M communications are set to revolutionize industries. The policy’s support for these technologies ensures India remains at the forefront of innovation, fostering a robust ecosystem for startups and enterprises alike.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the policy’s goals are ambitious, challenges remain. Recent cybersecurity attacks near the Indo-Pak border highlight the need for robust network security. Telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL have already taken steps to ensure uninterrupted connectivity by setting up national control centers and enabling intra-circle roaming. These measures demonstrate the industry’s resilience and preparedness.
Additionally, the global push for automation, as noted in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, indicates that 97% of telecom tasks could be automated by 2030. To stay competitive, India’s workforce will need reskilling and upskilling to adapt to roles in AI, cybersecurity, and technological literacy.
Why This Matters for India’s Future
The New Telecom Policy 2025 is more than just a roadmap for the telecom sector it’s a blueprint for economic and digital transformation. By doubling exports, creating jobs, and ensuring universal connectivity, India is positioning itself as a global leader in telecommunications. The policy’s focus on self-sufficiency and innovation aligns with the country’s broader economic goals, promising a brighter, more connected future for all.
As the telecom industry evolves, stakeholders must collaborate to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. With the right investments and policies, India’s telecom sector is set to shine on the global stage, driving prosperity and connectivity for years to come.
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