Cabinet approved a project for 4G Mobile services in villages

Tags: National News

The Union Cabinet on July 27 approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in all the uncovered villages of the country at a total cost of Rs 26,316 crore.

Important facts

• Under the project, 4G mobile services will be provided in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and inaccessible areas.

• In addition, 6,279 villages, which currently have only 2G/3G connectivity, will also be upgraded to 4G.

• The project has a provision to cover 20% of additional villages on account of resettlement, new settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators, etc.

• The project will be executed by BSNL using Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Made in India) 4G technology stack.

• The project will be funded through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

• The project is a significant step towards the government's vision of providing mobile connectivity in rural areas.

What is Universal Service?

• This refers to having a phone and affordable phone service in every household.

• It means to provide telecom service with specified quality at an affordable price to all users everywhere.

About USOF

• It was established in April 2002 under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act 2003.

• Its objective is to provide financial assistance for the provision of telecommunication services in the commercially unviable rural and remote areas of the country.

• It is an attached office of the Department of Telecommunications.

• It is headed by an administrator, who is appointed by the central government.