Why Rural Internet Expansion is Challenging

According to a recent report by The Hindu, information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, shows that the number of villages without 4G mobile connectivity has fallen by around three-fourths over the past four years. This improvement is mainly due to the efforts of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which has been working to provide 4G services to villages that previously had no access.

However, satellite internet services could help connect villages that are still without reliable internet access. So far, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has not approved any satellite internet providers for this purpose. Such services could potentially help reach remote areas where traditional mobile networks are difficult to build.

One of the main challenges in expanding internet access across rural India is the scattered population. Many villages have only a small number of residents and are located far away from major towns. India also has a lower level of urbanisation compared to many industrialised countries, making it more difficult to provide affordable internet services to every rural area.

Telecom companies need to invest large amounts of money to connect these remote villages. Building fibre-optic cable networks and installing mobile towers requires significant spending, especially when only a limited number of people are likely to use the services.

Because of these high infrastructure costs and the small customer base, companies may find it difficult to recover their investments. This makes rural connectivity a major challenge for the telecom sector. Expanding 4G and exploring satellite internet options could help improve access for people living in villages that remain disconnected.