As of September 30, 2024, out of the total 6,44,131 villages in India, 6,22,840 are now covered by mobile connectivity, with 6,14,564 villages having access to 4G services. This marks a significant advancement in mobile network penetration across the country.
In line with the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) mission, which focuses on improving connectivity in tribal areas, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs identified 4,543 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations lacking mobile coverage. Of these, 1,136 PVTG habitations have already been connected with mobile services.
To further enhance telecom connectivity in rural, remote, and hilly regions, including PVTG areas, the government is executing various projects under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme. As of October 31, 2024, a total of 1,018 mobile towers have been sanctioned, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,014 crore, aimed at providing 4G coverage to these underserved areas.
This information was shared by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
