In a significant move to foster digital inclusion and spur socio-economic development in rural India, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated a scheme. This program aims to honor Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for their exceptional work in deploying Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband connections in the countryside.
The scheme has a structure to recognize nine ISPs every year, divided into three categories: A, B, and C. ISPs will be acknowledged based on the maximum number of new connections they’ve added in rural FTTH in a year, from April to March.
Category A: ISPs must achieve at least 50,000 new connections in rural areas.
Category B: ISPs need a minimum of 10,000 new rural connections.
Category C: ISPs are required to add at least 2,000 new connections in rural locales.
ISPs earning this distinction will receive a certificate, and their names will be displayed on the DoT’s official website. The first such recognition is planned for the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
This initiative marks a significant step by the Government of India to increase digital access in rural regions. The goal is to drive socio-economic progress and ensure that growth benefits are evenly spread across the nation. The scheme underlines the government’s commitment to digital inclusion as a key factor for developmental plans.
As the Internet becomes an ever-more crucial part of daily life, this scheme will likely boost the adoption of high-speed internet in areas often left behind in the digital revolution. The certificate and public acknowledgment could also serve as a catalyst for ISPs to focus more on rural expansion.
By setting tiered goals for different categories of ISPs, the scheme aims to create a balanced approach. This means larger providers and smaller local ones both have a fair chance to earn recognition, thereby encouraging competition and innovation in service provision.
As the scheme kicks off, many eyes will be on its impact on rural connectivity and whether it will indeed become a tool for driving socio-economic development. With the DoT’s new initiative, the path towards a more digitally inclusive India seems clearer than ever.