In a significant milestone for digital inclusion, the Centre has reported that Northeast India mobile coverage now reaches over 90% of its border habitations. Out of approximately 5,200 villages along India’s northeastern borders, more than 4,800 are now connected to mobile networks.
This leap in connectivity is being celebrated as a key step toward bridging the digital divide in the region. However, challenges remain—Arunachal Pradesh still has 337 border villages without mobile access, making it the biggest outlier in the Centre’s telecom progress report.
A Digital Leap Forward for Border Security and Inclusion
The government emphasized that improved Northeast India mobile coverage is crucial not just for convenience, but also for:
- Border security and surveillance
- Emergency communication during natural disasters
- Delivery of welfare schemes through digital platforms
- Boosting local economies via digital inclusion
In a press statement, the Ministry highlighted that 5G and 4G towers were deployed under flagship programs like BharatNet and the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). These efforts are part of the government’s broader goal to digitally empower India’s most remote communities.
“Connectivity in border areas is essential for national security and for ensuring that no citizen is left behind,” said Union Minister of Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Arunachal Pradesh Still Behind in Connectivity
Despite overall progress, Arunachal Pradesh lags significantly, with 337 out of its total border villages still without mobile network access. Experts attribute this to:
- Difficult terrain and mountainous geography
- Sparse population densities
- Delayed infrastructure due to security clearance near sensitive borders with China
While some of these villages are scheduled for connectivity under Phase II of the USOF projects, the delay underscores the need for faster execution and localized solutions.
Mobile Coverage Breakdown by State
Here’s a snapshot of mobile coverage achievements in key Northeastern states:
| State | Total Border Villages | Covered with Mobile Network | Still Offline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assam | 1,120 | 1,115 | 5 |
| Manipur | 940 | 930 | 10 |
| Mizoram | 880 | 875 | 5 |
| Meghalaya | 700 | 680 | 20 |
| Nagaland | 600 | 590 | 10 |
| Tripura | 260 | 260 | 0 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 700 | 363 | 337 |
(Source: Ministry of Communications, July 2025)
What This Means for the Northeast
Increased Northeast India mobile coverage is expected to transform the region’s social and economic landscape by:
- Empowering tribal and rural youth with digital education and skill-building
- Boosting e-commerce, banking, and tourism
- Improving government service delivery via digital platforms
- Enabling faster disaster response and relief in flood- and landslide-prone zones
Experts note that better connectivity also helps bridge the cultural gap between the region and mainland India, often seen as a priority in national integration efforts.
Government Roadmap and Next Steps
To address Arunachal Pradesh’s digital gap, the Centre has proposed:
- More satellite-based connectivity solutions for inaccessible zones
- Increased public-private partnerships to speed up telecom tower installation
- Deployment of BSNL and private players to support last-mile coverage
The Digital India Northeast Vision 2026 is also expected to include funding for state-specific mobile access challenges.
For more on Digital India and rural connectivity, visit the official Digital India website.
How Citizens Can Contribute
Citizens in the Northeast can play an active role in strengthening digital inclusion by:
- Reporting mobile blackspots to local telecom operators
- Participating in digital literacy programs
- Helping spread awareness about online services in villages
A Big Step, But Not the Last
The Centre’s announcement marks a significant step forward in India’s digital journey, particularly for the remote corners of the Northeast. While 90% mobile coverage is a proud milestone, the remaining 337 villages in Arunachal Pradesh remind us that true digital equality is still a work in progress.
With strategic focus, local partnerships, and faster execution, India can achieve its goal of 100% mobile coverage in border habitations—ensuring no region is left behind in the digital revolution.
READ MORE: Tipra Motha Tripura Voter List Clean-Up Demand Accepted