Parliament Question: Mobile Network Coverage/Internet Access/Broadband Availability in Rural and Desert Areas

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1942 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11TH FEBRUARY, 2026 MOBILE NETWORK COVERAGE/INTERNET ACCESS/BROADBAND AVAILABILITY IN RURAL AND DESERT AREAS †1942. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any data regarding mobile network coverage, internet access and broadband availability in rural, desert and sparsely populated districts like Churu in Rajasthan;

(b) whether any gaps regarding digital connectivity and network quality have been identified in such areas despite the implementation of BharatNet and other schemes; and

(c) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to improve last mile digital connectivity, mobile coverage and quality of internet services in rural and remote areas? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) to (c) 45,378 villages out of 46,077 villages (as per data of Registrar General of India) in the state of Rajasthan are covered with 4G mobile connectivity. All the 904 villages in Churu District of Rajasthan, are covered with 4G mobile connectivity.

Government is implementing various schemes under Digital Bharat Nidhi for expansion of internet facilities through installation of 4G mobile towers in the rural and remote areas of the country under 4G saturation projects. In addition, BharatNet project aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connections etc. to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages on demand basis.

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