- 5G now reaches every district in India, the Prime Minister said
- Over 5.5 lakh base stations are operating 5G networks across the country
- Mobile internet speed is 10 times higher than in 2022
- Direct benefit transfers have sent about Rs 50 lakh crore to beneficiaries
- PM-Kisan has transferred over Rs 4 lakh crore to farmers' bank accounts
The Prime Minister said 5G now reaches every district in India. He spoke at the inauguration of the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress on 8 October.
He said the country has over 5.5 lakh base stations running 5G networks. Mobile internet speed has risen 10 times since 2022.
He recalled that 5G was launched from the same platform in 2022. He added that the country has moved from 5G roll-out to 5G reach-out.
Welfare through mobile phones
The Prime Minister said mobile phones now carry many government services. He said the phone has become a tool for good governance.
He said about Rs 50 lakh crore has been sent directly to beneficiaries through direct benefit transfers. He said around Rs 5 lakh crore has been saved from leakage.
Under PM-Kisan, more than Rs 4 lakh crore has been deposited in farmers’ bank accounts. The money is paid every four months, and farmers get a message on their phones.
Learning, gaming and content
He said the DIKSHA platform recorded over 500 crore learning sessions and about 6,000 crore learning minutes by July 2022. The government aims to connect about 25 crore students to digital and online education.
He estimated that over 50 crore people in India are linked to the gaming ecosystem. Young people in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are also taking part.
Security and reforms
He said cyber fraud and deepfakes cross borders and need a global response. He urged the GSMA and telecom operators to build a global mechanism to stop such fraud.
He said governments, technology companies, telecom operators and financial institutions must join such a framework. He added that India is ready to share its experience.
On reforms, he said the Telecommunications Act has created a modern regulatory framework. He said the government is rationalising AGR and bank guarantee burdens. The Gati Shakti Sanchar portal has speeded up right-of-way approvals.
He said five locations have begun commercial semiconductor production. The next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission will focus on the full supply chain.
Before the speech, he paid tribute to actor Nana Patekar, whose death was announced that morning. He also noted that he had completed 25 years as head of government a day earlier.
