National Broadband Mission 2.0, Key Objectives

Context: Recently the Union Govt. has introduced National Broadband Mission 2.0 to enhance broadband connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas.

About National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0

NBM 2.0 aims to address broadband connectivity challenges in rural, remote and difficult terrain regions through several targeted initiatives:

• Promoting Satellite Broadband: Encourages the use of satellite technology to provide high-speed internet in remote areas where fibre networks are difficult to deploy.
• Utilizing Power Sector Infrastructure for Connectivity: Coordination with the Ministry of Power to use Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for broadband expansion.

Key Objectives of NBM 2.0

Expansion of Broadband Access

• Village Connectivity: Aim to connect the remaining 7 lakh (170,000) villages, focusing on remote and economically underserved regions.
• Optical Fiber Coverage: Expand Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) connectivity to 7 lakh (270,000) villages by 2030.

Enhancement of Internet Speed

• Achieve a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps nationwide, a significant increase from the current average of 63.55 Mbps.

Affordability and Inclusivity

• Provide affordable broadband services to bridge the socio-economic divide, ensuring that digital resources are accessible to all citizens.

Institutional Connectivity

• Ensure that 90% of anchor institutions, such as schools, primary healthcare centres, and Anganwadi centres, have broadband access by 2030.

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