The Government has established 100 dedicated 5G labs in academic institutions across the country to promote research, new applications, and capacity building in next-generation communication technologies. The initiative is aimed at creating a 6G-ready academic and start-up ecosystem.
According to information shared in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, 5G services are now available in 99.9% of districts across India. Telecom Service Providers have rolled out 5G networks in every State and Union Territory. As of 31 October 2025, the country has 5.08 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), supporting faster connectivity for sectors such as precision agriculture, telemedicine and remote education.
The Minister outlined several steps taken by the Government to support the wider adoption of 5G. These include the 2022 spectrum auction for 5G services; financial reforms related to Adjusted Gross Revenue, bank guarantees and interest rates; and the removal of Spectrum Usage Charges for spectrum acquired in the 2022 auction and thereafter.
Procedures for SACFA clearance have been simplified, while the GatiShakti Sanchar portal and revised Right of Way rules have helped streamline approvals for telecom infrastructure. Time-bound permissions have also been introduced for installing small cells and telecom lines on street furniture.
The newly established 5G labs will support the development of socioeconomic use cases and strengthen research and training in advanced communication technologies, including future 6G systems.