New Submarine Cables to Quadruple India's Data Capacity by 2025: Trai
Massive Boost in Data Capacity
India's data transmission capacity is poised for a significant increase by 2025, with new submarine cables expected to quadruple the current capacity. This was announced by Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti at the Digicom Summit. India currently has 17 international subsea cables across 17 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.
Replacement of Older Cables
New systems are scheduled to replace older cables in 2025, which will enhance India’s data transmission capabilities with additional routes. Lahoti stressed that telecom services are critical in supporting the growth of the digital economy, which now contributes approximately 12% to India's GDP, and is expected to reach 20% by 2026-27.
Telecom Sector Growth and Digital Economy
The Indian telecom sector has seen substantial growth due to high data consumption and a large user base. This growth is supported by a conducive policy environment. Lahoti also highlighted that India is committed to promoting industry growth and digital connectivity, with the government aiming for a USD 1 trillion digital economy by 2027-28.
Expansion of User Base
India's telecom user base has grown to about 1.2 billion, including 944 million broadband users. A significant achievement is the 100-fold increase in rural broadband subscriptions over the past decade. Rural broadband connections now surpass urban ones in regions like Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh East.
Broadband Connectivity and 5G Rollout
Lahoti acknowledged the efforts of telecom operators in extending 4G coverage to 97% of villages and providing 5G connectivity in over 99% of districts nationwide. This expansion is crucial in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
India's strategic position in the global submarine cable network enhances its connectivity with international markets. The 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 key role in supporting economic growth and enhancing global connectivity.
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