India wants to make its own telecom gear
India just dropped the draft National Telecom Policy 2025 (NTP-25), and it's all about making our own telecom gear instead of depending on foreign tech.
Industry groups like VoICE have urged the government to mandate Indian-made chips, software, and equipment, and to implement a bold "Rip & Replace" move to swap out imported—especially Chinese—hardware for local alternatives, though these are not yet official provisions of the draft policy.
Affordable internet everywhere
If NTP-25 works out, we could see a massive jump in homegrown manufacturing—aiming for 150% more by 2030—and cut imports in half.
The policy also wants everyone connected: full 4G coverage, nearly all of India on 5G, and way more fiber networks.
But there are hurdles: high spectrum costs, tricky regulations, and rolling out fiber in crowded cities.
Still, if these challenges are tackled, the hope is affordable internet everywhere and a shot at making India a global hub for next-gen telecom tech.