Daily Current Affairs : 18-January-2025
The Department of Telecommunications has recently launched the vision document for the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, aiming to build on the progress made by NBM 1.0. This mission is crucial to improving broadband connectivity in India and ensuring that it reaches even the most remote areas.
Broadband Connectivity in India
As of 2023, India had 83.22 crore broadband connections, with the majority being wireless (79.98 crore), and the rest being wireline (3.23 crore). Over the years, there has been significant progress in expanding internet access, particularly in rural areas. From 2015 to 2021, internet subscriptions in rural areas grew by 200%, while urban areas saw a 158% increase. The National Broadband Mission 1.0 played a key role in bridging the digital divide by enhancing digital infrastructure, especially in rural regions.
Types of Broadband Connections
Broadband in India can be delivered through various methods, including:
- Wired Broadband: Delivered through optical fiber cables.
- Wireless Broadband: Delivered through radio links.
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): Delivered through copper lines.
Each type offers different advantages depending on location and need.
NBM 2.0: Vision and Objectives
Building upon the foundation laid by NBM 1.0, NBM 2.0 sets ambitious goals for 2030 to improve connectivity across India. The objectives include:
- Expansion of Optical Fiber Connectivity: Extend optical fiber cables to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030, up from the current 50,000.
- 95% Uptime for OFC Networks: Ensure reliable broadband services by maintaining a high uptime for optical fiber networks.
- Anchor Institution Connectivity: Provide broadband to 90% of institutions like schools, healthcare centers, and government offices.
- Enhanced Broadband Speeds: Achieve a national average fixed broadband download speed of at least 100 Mbps by 2030.
- 5G and 6G Networks: Facilitate the nationwide rollout of 5G technology and prepare for the future of 6G.
- Utilizing Power Sector Infrastructure: Leverage Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) from the power sector to boost connectivity, particularly during emergencies.
Impact of NBM 2.0
The NBM 2.0 will have several key impacts on India’s digital landscape:
- Digital Inclusion: It will ensure that underserved rural areas get access to digital resources, narrowing the digital divide.
- Education and Healthcare: With better connectivity, schools and healthcare centers can adopt e-learning and telemedicine, improving services.
- Economic Growth: The growth in digital infrastructure will create jobs and stimulate economic development, particularly in rural regions.
- Disaster Management: The OPGW infrastructure will improve communication during natural disasters and emergencies.
- Technological Leadership: By adopting 5G and preparing for 6G, India will be positioned as a global leader in digital innovation.
Important Points:
- NBM 2.0 Launch: The Department of Telecommunications launched the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 to build on NBM 1.0’s progress.
- Broadband Connections in India (2023):
- 83.22 crore broadband connections in India.
- 79.98 crore wireless connections and 3.23 crore wireline connections.
- Internet Growth (2015-2021):
- 200% increase in rural internet subscriptions.
- 158% increase in urban internet subscriptions.
- Types of Broadband:
- Wired Broadband: Delivered through optical fiber cables.
- Wireless Broadband: Delivered through radio links.
- DSL: Delivered through copper lines.
- NBM 2.0 Goals for 2030:
- Expand Optical Fiber Connectivity: Extend fiber cables to 2.70 lakh villages.
- 95% Uptime: Ensure reliable service for optical fiber networks.
- Anchor Institution Connectivity: Provide broadband to 90% of schools, PHCs, and Panchayat offices.
- Enhanced Broadband Speeds: Achieve a national average speed of 100 Mbps for fixed broadband.
- 5G and 6G Networks: Roll out 5G and lay the groundwork for 6G technology.
- Leverage Power Sector Infrastructure: Use Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) for improved connectivity during emergencies.
- Impact of NBM 2.0:
- Digital Inclusion: Bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
- Education and Healthcare: Promote e-learning and telemedicine through broadband access.
- Economic Growth: Generate employment and stimulate economic activity.
- Disaster Management: Enhance communication during emergencies.
- Technological Leadership: Position India as a leader in global digital innovation.
Why In News
The Department of Telecommunications launched the vision document for the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, outlining an ambitious roadmap to enhance broadband connectivity across India and bridge the digital divide. This new phase aims to build upon the success of NBM 1.0 while addressing emerging challenges in digital infrastructure and technology.
MCQs about National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0
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What is the primary objective of the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0?
A. To increase the number of mobile phones in rural areas
B. To enhance broadband connectivity across India
C. To focus on urban digital infrastructure
D. To promote wireless broadband only
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Which of the following is a goal of NBM 2.0 for 2030?
A. Provide 5G connectivity only to urban areas
B. Extend optical fiber connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages
C. Increase broadband speeds to 50 Mbps
D. Limit broadband services to government offices
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What technology is NBM 2.0 preparing for in addition to 5G?
A. 4G
B. 6G
C. Wi-Fi 6
D. Satellite broadband
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