Synopsis : India’s telecom duopoly is driven by capital challenges, not policy, says MoS Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, reaffirming government support for Vodafone Idea and BSNL. The Centre aims for 4-5 players in the sector while focusing on building indigenous technology and preparing for 6G leadership.
India’s current telecom landscape, dominated by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, is a market outcome rather than a deliberate policy choice, said Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, during the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 roadshow in Bengaluru. “The duopoly has not been created intentionally. Telecom requires massive capex, and Jio and Airtel managed to deploy capital effectively,” he noted, crediting them for enabling India’s world-leading 5G rollout.
However, Pemmasani emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring a competitive telecom sector with at least four to five players, supporting Vodafone Idea and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to remain active participants. Highlighting the government’s move to convert around ?36,000 crore of Vodafone Idea’s dues into equity, he acknowledged the operator’s ongoing challenges while reiterating continued support: “Our goal is not to have only two players.”
Regarding BSNL, Pemmasani stated that its turnaround has been gradual due to a parallel focus on developing indigenous technology. “BSNL’s revival is taking longer because we are also focused on building homegrown solutions. Eventually, BSNL will become a strong alternative,” he assured, underlining the Centre’s resolve to strengthen India’s public telecom backbone.
Looking ahead, Pemmasani revealed India’s ambition to be among the first countries to launch 6G services, with China and the US targeting rollouts by 2030. He highlighted that India has already contributed to 10% of the global 6G standards and filed over 200 patents, marking a shift from being a follower in earlier generations to becoming a global contributor.
The minister also highlighted India’s gains in digital infrastructure, noting that the country now has 1.2 billion mobile subscribers, 1 billion broadband users, and over 2.2 lakh connected villages through BharatNet. He shared plans to invest $18 billion to connect 40,000 more gram panchayats and 1.5 crore rural households with high-speed internet, adding that India has moved from importing 75% of its mobile devices to exporting ?1.8 trillion worth annually.
As India eyes leadership in 6G and digital connectivity, the government’s push to revive BSNL and support Vodafone Idea underscores its strategy to ensure healthy competition in the telecom sector while preparing the country for the next wave of digital transformation.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or policy advice. Please consult official government sources or financial advisors for detailed guidance before making business or investment decisions.
