Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Government Plans to Improve Mobile Network Coverage
Imagine your phone signal is like a delivery service.
Right now, the companies just have to put some delivery trucks (cell towers) in a general area.
The government wants to change this.
They want companies to make sure the trucks actually deliver to where they are needed most - like on roads and in the country where fewer people live.
This plan aims to make sure you can use your phone everywhere, not just in big cities.
The government will work with the phone companies to decide how to make this happen, and they're also planning to sell more of the airwaves that phones use to talk, so coverage can be improved.
They want to make sure everyone has a good phone signal.
Government plans to require telecom operators to ensure actual mobile coverage, especially in areas with weak or no signal.
Currently, operators are only obligated to place towers based on commercial considerations.
The plan is under consideration, with decisions pending after consultations.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India conducted tests, revealing below-benchmark call connection success rates in certain areas.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the Department of Telecommunications are working on the next spectrum auctions.
- Who
- Government, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), and telecom operators.
- What
- Government plans to mandate improved mobile network coverage.
- When
- Plan is under consideration; next spectrum auctions are being planned.
- Where
- Focus on highways, railway routes, and sparsely populated areas.
- Why
- To ensure actual, usable mobile coverage, especially in critical areas with weak or no signal.
- Focus
- Improving mobile network coverage, especially in underserved areas.
- Plan
- Tighten service rollout obligations for telecom operators.
- Areas of Focus
- Highways, railway routes, sparsely populated areas.
- Current Status
- Plan under consideration; consultation is ongoing.
- Spectrum Auctions
- Trai and DoT working on next auction details.