Hyderabad: Broadband expansion in Telangana came under review on Tuesday as Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao chaired the 8th State Broadband Committee meeting at the Secretariat.
Rao reviewed the progress of telecom and broadband infrastructure across the state. He said the government aimed to provide affordable and reliable broadband services statewide. He added that the goal was to connect the last village in line with the National Broadband Mission. The effort focused on inclusive digital connectivity under the broadband expansion plan.
The Chief Secretary said the state would act as both regulator and facilitator. He stressed faster growth of telecom and broadband infrastructure. Meanwhile, he directed District Collectors to convene District Level Telecom Committee meetings within the next fortnight. The instruction aimed to improve coordination and resolve field-level issues affecting broadband expansion.
Rao also called for wider awareness among field officials on the “Call Before U Dig” application. He said officials must use the CBuD platform before excavation works. The step would prevent damage to underground telecom infrastructure and reduce project delays.
Broadband expansion places Telangana above national average
During the meeting, Rao said the T-Fiber Pilot Villages initiative had received wide recognition. He described it as an innovative model to strengthen rural broadband connectivity. He also said Telangana performed above the national average on several telecom infrastructure indicators linked to broadband expansion.
Officials also discussed the Central Right of Way Rules. They examined steps to streamline permissions for laying telecom infrastructure. The focus remained on minimising disruption to public services.
Special Chief Secretary Energy Navin Mittal, Special Chief Secretary MAUD Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary Industries Sanjay Kumar, senior officials, and representatives of telecom service providers attended the meeting.