The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is planning to extend the mobile network coverage to about 55,000 non-penetrated rural regions across the country by December 2016. These regions are located in the naxal-affected areas in the Northeastern states. The project will be implemented as part of the Rs 1.13 trillion Digital India programme of the government. Under the programme, the government aims to ensure the provision of broadband connectivity across the country and deliver services electronically through mobile phones.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had earlier indicated that there exist gaps in network coverage in the northeast region. As per the regulator, Arunachal Pradesh had the highest coverage gap at nearly 56 per cent, followed by Meghalaya with 38 per cent, Mizoram with 32 per cent and Manipur 24 per cent. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also asked the government to expedite the installation of telecom network in the naxal-affected areas.

Consequently, in September 2014, the Cabinet had approved Rs 53 billion for deployment of 6,673 telecom towers across 8,621 villages, primarily boosting telecom network along national highways in the Northeast.