New Submarine Cables Activation in 2025 to Quadruple India's Data Transmission Capacity, Says Trai Chairman

India's data transmission capacity is set for a significant boost by 2025, with new submarine cables expected to increase capacity fourfold. Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted this development at the Digicom Summit. India currently hosts 17 international subsea cables across 17 district landing stations. By the end of 2023, these cables had a total lit capacity of 180 terabits per second (TBPS) and an activated capacity of 132 TBPS.

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New systems are anticipated to replace older cables in 2025, enhancing India's data transmission capabilities with additional routes. Lahoti emphasised the critical role of telecom services in supporting the digital economy's growth. The digital economy's contribution to India's GDP has risen to about 12%, with expectations to reach 20% by 2026-27, given its growth rate is 2.8 times that of the GDP.

Telecom Sector's Role in Digital Economy

The Indian telecom sector has seen substantial progress recently, driven by high data consumption and a large user base. This growth is supported by a favourable policy environment. Lahoti noted that India is committed to advancing industry growth and digital connectivity. The government aims for a USD 1 trillion digital economy by 2027-28.

The telecom user base in India has expanded to approximately 1.2 billion, with 944 million broadband users. A notable achievement is the over 100-fold increase in rural broadband subscriptions over the past decade. In regions like Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh East, rural broadband connections surpass urban ones.

Expansion of Broadband and Connectivity

Lahoti acknowledged telecom operators' efforts in extending 4G coverage to 97% of villages and providing 5G connectivity in over 99% of districts nationwide. This expansion underscores the sector's commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

India's strategic position in the global submarine cable network enhances its connectivity with key international markets. The upcoming activation of next-generation systems will further solidify this position, ensuring robust data transmission capabilities for the future.

As India continues to develop its digital infrastructure, these advancements will play a crucial role in supporting economic growth and enhancing global connectivity. The country's focus on expanding its telecom sector aligns with its broader goals for a thriving digital economy.