The National Broadband Mission (Rashtriya Broadband Abhiyan) was launched by the Government of India on 17th December 2019 to fast track growth of digital communications infrastructure, bridge the digital divide, facilitate digital empowerment and inclusion, and provide affordable and universal access of broadband for all. Definition of broadband in India As per the Department of Telecommunication notification dtd 25th January 2023 - Broadband is a data connection that is able to support interactive services including Interest access and has the capability of the minimum download speed of 2 Mbps to an individual subscriber from the point of presence (POP) of the service provider intending to provide Broadband service. National Broadband Mission 1.0 (2019-2024) The Mission is part of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018. Key achievements of NBM 1.0 include: Expansion of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) networks to 41.91 lakh kilometers by September 2024. Growth in telecom towers to 8.17 lakh and broadband subscribers to 941 million. Resolving major Right of Way (RoW) issues and streamlining processes through the “GatiShakti Sanchar” portal. Introduction of the “Call Before u Dig” (CBuD) mobile app to protect underground telecom infrastructure. National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 The NBM 2.0 launched on January 17, 2025 aims to propel India into a new era of digital transformation. It envisions India as a global knowledge society by providing High-speed Broadband and Meaningful Connectivity for all. Building on the success of NBM 1.0. Key benefits of NBM 2.0: Extending operational optical fiber cable (OFC) connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030 with 95% uptime from ~50,000 as of now. To provide broadband connectivity to 90% of anchor institutions like Schools, PHCs, Anganwadi Centre, and Panchayat offices by 2030. Improve the Fixed broadband download Speeds- National Average from 63.55 Mbps in November 2024 to a minimum 100 Mbps by 2030. To achieve 100% mapping of fiber networks owned by government PSUs by 2026on PM GatiShakti National MasterPlan Platform (PMGS) and use PMGS for planning of Additional Bharatnet project. For Ease of Doing Business - reduce the Right of Way application average disposal time from 60 days (now)to 30 days by 2030. In 2019 it was 449 days. Increase the number of rural internet subscribers per 100 population from the current 45 to 60 by 2030. Achieve the target of powering 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy by 2030. Work on enhancing the usage of the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) mobile app to protect underground Telecom infrastructure and other utilities. Collaborate with all stakeholders viz. Central Ministries and departments, States, UTs and municipalities to ensure the effective implementation of theNew RoW Rules 2024, issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. To facilitate rollout of the 5G network, in nook and corner of the country and forfuturistic networks of 6G, work to create a robust, ready to use street furniture infrastructure across the country. To work with all stakeholders for Common/Shareable telecom ducts and utility corridors in all linear projects toimprove the maintenance and cost efficiency of telecom networks and other utilities. Leveraging Power Sector Assets Such as Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for enhanced Broadband Connectivity and to improve broadband network reliability, survivability and resiliency during disasters, wars, and other emergencies, in far-flung, remote and hilly regions of the country, where traditional infrastructure might be challenging to deploy. Source : PIB