What’s in the news?

• The Department of Telecommunications has launched the vision document for the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, a follow-up to the previous NBM released in December 2019. 
• The Mission aims to expand “operational” fiber connectivity to 2.7 lakh villages by 2030, from 50,000 now. 
• 90% of “anchor institutions” like schools, anganwadis, public health centres, and panchayat offices should be connected through fiber by then as well. 
• The share of rural Indians who are subscribers should also grow from 45% to 60% by then, the document says.
• The document also lays out goals to expand wireless connectivity, as mobile internet faster than 2Mbps is included in the definition of broadband in India. 
• The Mission also calls for leveraging “Power Sector Assets,” such as ground cabling whose housing can also support fiber optic cables, and making use of electricity transmission lines to transport internet cables as well. 
• A “Call Before u Dig” app launched in 2023 should also be used more widely so that public works and construction don’t damage underground telecom assets. 

https://www.thehindu.com/incoming/national-broadband-mission-20-aims-to-expand-fiber-to-27-lakh-villages-by-2030/article69109130.ece#:~:text=The%20Mission%20aims%20to%20expand,as%20well%2C%20the%20Mission%20says.