Draft Telecom Policy, 2025: Doubling Down on Telecom Exports

The Department of Telecommunications has released the draft National Telecom Policy, 2025, inviting stakeholder comments by August 14, 2025.

Building on the momentum of the National Digital Communications Policy 2018, the new draft aims to address the emerging opportunities and challenges presented by next-generation technologies such as 5G/6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Quantum Communications, Satellite Network, and Blockchain.

The draft policy is structured around six strategic missions: universal and meaningful connectivity, innovation, domestic manufacturing, secure and trusted telecom network, ease of living and ease of doing business, and sustainable telecom.

By 2030, the policy aims to double the telecom sector’s contribution to India’s GDP, the export of telecom products and services, the number of telecommunications startups, and sectoral R&D spending on emerging technologies. It also targets an annual investment of INR 1 lakh crore and seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of the telecom service sector by 30%.

Highlights of the strategies outlined in the draft include:

• Domestic Manufacturing: Telecom operators to be incentivised to use indigenously designed and manufactured equipment. Further, the draft policy provides for global promotion of “Made in India” telecom products through brand-building activities and regulatory streamlining to enhance export competitiveness.
• Expanding Telecom Network: The feasibility of community Wi-Fi networks will be explored, alongside efforts to promote public Wi-Fi in tourist/public areas.
• Innovation Financing: A framework to be developed for accepting IPRs as collateral by financial institutions to support innovation financing.
• Startup Support: Funding and mentorship from government/industry to telecom startups across growth stages is envisaged. Innovative financing models like Funds of Funds and Blended Finance are also on the table.
• Compliance Rationalization: The draft policy proposes exploring the possibility of segregating and rationalizing compliances for retail and enterprise businesses.
• Sustainable Telecom: The use of renewable energy sources for powering telecom networks is proposed to be promoted.

Coinciding with the release of the draft policy was the signing of the landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The UK’s duty-free access is set to open export opportunities for Indian telecom equipment. CETA also includes provisions for recognition of Indian conformity assessment bodies, allowing electronics and telecom products tested in India to be accepted in the UK. Additionally, it provides Indian telecom professionals with better mobility access to the UK. Notably, India’s tariff cut commitments exclude telecom gear. However, UK companies can offer telecom, construction, and related services in India without establishing a local presence, enjoying full national treatment, meaning they will be treated on par with Indian firms.