New Telecom Policy – 2025: PSUs must not be left behind.

The Government of India is preparing to introduce the ‘New Telecom Policy – 2025’, projecting it as a futuristic roadmap for the Indian telecom sector. It promises universal 4G/5G coverage, massive private investment and technology-based reforms with a target of 100% 4G and 90% 5G coverage by 2030. The Ministry has even coined a slogan of 10 lakh job opportunities to attract public sentiment, especially among the youth.

While these announcements may sound impressive, the critical question remains – where do BSNL, MTNL, ITI and other telecom PSUs stand in this roadmap? We must remember – this is not the first “new” policy. The Congress government once introduced ‘The New Telecom Policy” and later the NDA government came out with ‘The National Telecom Policy’. The last telecom policy was announced in 2017.

If the New Telecom Policy – 2025 is to truly serve the nation, it must: (1) Guarantee BSNL, MTNL and ITI a central role in implementing 4G/5G expansion. (2) Ensure that the 10 lakh job opportunities are not limited to the private sector but include secure, permanent jobs in PSUs. (3) Provide priority funding and spectrum allocation to PSUs before favouring private players.

We call upon all stakeholders, especially BSNL employees and unions, to study the draft policy, raise concerns and submit strong suggestions to safeguard PSU interests.