41 Tamil Nadu villages still lack 4G connectivity

The question asked the Ministry of Communications for details on projects sanctioned under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) in Tamil Nadu, including tower counts, fund disbursements, 4G connectivity status, and proposals from the state government.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Tharaniventhan M S; Answered by the Ministry of Communications (Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia).

What the government said

• ₹1,363.39 crore disbursed from Digital Bharat Nidhi for Tamil Nadu over the last five financial years (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• 16,447 out of 16,488 villages in Tamil Nadu have 4G connectivity, according to Registrar General of India data.
• As of 30.6.2026, 11,118 Gram Panchayats (GPs) were connected under the BharatNet Project in the state.
• As of 30.6.2026, 257 mobile towers were commissioned under the 4G Saturation Project, covering 308 villages.
• The Government of India approved the Government of Tamil Nadu's proposal for utilizing the BharatNet network under the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP).
• District-wise data shows 356 towers planned and 257 commissioned under DBN initiatives.

Also in the document

• The answer states that 41 villages in Tamil Nadu do not have 4G connectivity (16,488 total minus 16,447 connected).
• The answer does not provide a specific timeline for ensuring universal mobile connectivity, as requested in part (e) of the question.
• The answer does not explicitly list 'tribal habitations' separately, but provides village-level 4G data which covers rural and remote areas.