Tele-density data points to a stark "digital divide" in states such as Bihar and Assam with an average of around 55 per cent while Delhi enjoys the highest rate at 238 per cent, a study by trade body Assocham shows.
Tele-density is the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area.
"The Digital Divide is hidden behind the law of averages which may look impressive but when it comes to micro details, there is a lot of ground yet to be covered even in reaching the basic service to a large number of people," Assocham said.
Against the national tele-density average of 81.82 per cent, the figure for Bihar is dismal at 54.25 per cent, Assam 55.76 per cent, Madhya Pradesh 62.33 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 62.74 per cent.
The tele-density rate in Delhi is over 238 per cent and Himachal Pradesh 123.19 per cent. Other states doing well on the telecom prosperity are Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka and Kerala.
"The Digital Divide is clearly visible between different states with some of the eastern states not finding favour with the telecom service providers. The reasons may vary from the lack of infrastructure like power availability to even indifference in terms of business opportunities. By no stretch, Madhya Pradesh can be considered a backward state. However, with a large land mass, the infrastructure like towers and cables could be an issue," the study said.
The chamber said, deeper tele-density and a quality service is critical to the government’s Digital India programme, which has been launched to reach government services to the citizens through e-governance. The government’s own programme of laying the broadband services would play a critical role.
The study found that tele-density is linked to several other business models involving the financial inclusion programmes like Jan Dhan Yojna and payment gateways.
"Ironically, the Digital Divide would lead to a further exclusion for the states with low tele-density."
BW Reporters
Haider Ali Khan is an alumnus of IIMC. He holds a degree in English Journalism from the prestigious campus. His passion includes Aviation, Technology, Politics and Sports.
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