VIJAYAWADA: In a major push to achieve 100% mobile connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, the State government has decided to extend targeted support for the establishment of mobile towers in rural, remote and commercially unviable areas.
The State Cabinet has decided to provide suitable government land without rental charges and subsidised power supply for new mobile towers in uncovered villages and habitations, with the objective of bridging the viability gap that has constrained telecom expansion in such areas.
The decision has now been operationalised through orders issued by the Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Department.
The government has identified universal mobile connectivity as a key component of its broader vision for inclusive digital development and seamless access to citizen services.
Despite the substantial telecom network already established in the State, some rural and remote habitations continue to remain outside reliable mobile coverage because of the limited commercial viability of setting up infrastructure in low-density areas.
Telecom Service Providers had represented to the government that expansion into these uncovered locations would require support, particularly in the initial years, to offset the cost of land and power as part of the initiative.
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Under the Cabinet-approved framework, suitable government land will be made available without rental charges, while newly established towers will receive subsidised power supply until they become operationally viable.
Based on prevailing rural Average Revenue Per User, the government has estimated the operational break-even threshold at approximately 450 subscribers per tower. Once this threshold is reached, the subsidy will cease and the applicable electricity tariff will be levied.
The support will also be reviewed every three years. Where subscriber numbers have increased and the infrastructure has become commercially viable, the government will reassess the continuation of the assistance.
Participating telecom operators will be required to establish the necessary mobile towers and associated infrastructure within prescribed timelines.
The initiative also paves the way for Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) facilities to enable seamless connectivity across telecom networks and ensure efficient utilisation of infrastructure, particularly in locations where multiple standalone networks may not be commercially viable.
The government expects the model will enable faster expansion into uncovered villages and habitations and provide a scalable pathway towards 100% mobile connectivity across Andhra Pradesh.
Telecom Service Providers, including BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea are part of the implementation framework.
The initiative is expected to significantly improve digital access in remote areas and expand citizens’ ability to access digital governance.
