Budget 2022: Telecom sector gets a top-up for digital connectivity

Allocation to BSNL tripled to Rs 44,720 cr for 4G spectrum, tech upgrade and recast; Rs 6,850 cr kept for GST and VRS; in fact, BSNL gets over half of DoT's Rs 84,586 crore outlay

The government has promised to roll out 5G, enhance broadband services in rural areas, and boost local manufacturing under the productivity-linked incentive scheme in the Union Budget for 2022-23.

Allocation to state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) has tripled year-on-year to Rs 44,720 crore for 4G spectrum, technology upgradation, and restructuring related expenses. Apart from this, BSNL has also been allocated Rs 6,850 crore for GST and VRS related payments. In fact, BSNL has received over half of the Department of Telecommunications' allocationof Rs 84,586 crore.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that 5G spectrum auction will be conducted in 2022 to facilitate commercial