Can 5G Bridge the Digital Divide? Exploring its Transformative Potential for Remote Services in Assam

Can 5G Bridge the Digital Divide? Exploring its Transformative Potential for Remote Services in Assam’s Evolving Landscape

SANJEEV SARMA

Imagine a remote village in Assam, nestled amidst the lush greenery and winding rivers, where the daily rhythm of life unfolds without the hum of digital connectivity.

For years, this village has been untouched by the rapid advancements of the digital age, leaving its residents disconnected from the vast opportunities that technology offers.

But now, a transformative wave is sweeping across Assam, bringing with it the promise of 5G connectivity-a beacon of hope for bridging the digital divide that has long separated these communities from the rest of the world.

In February 2025, during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced a monumental ₹4,000 crore investment to bolster Assam’s telecom infrastructure. This initiative aims to connect every village in Assam with 4G and 5G networks, ensuring that even the most remote areas are not left behind in the digital revolution. (assamtribune.com)

The establishment of a state-of-the-art 5G laboratory at Gauhati University marks a significant milestone in this journey. Inaugurated by Union Minister Scindia, this lab is set to become a nucleus for research in high-speed communication, artificial intelligence (AI), and next-generation networking. It provides a platform for students and researchers to experiment with real-world applications of 5G technology, such as IoT-enabled agriculture, smart healthcare, and autonomous drones. (sentinelassam.com)

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However, the path to universal 5G connectivity is not without its challenges. As of March 2025, government data revealed that over 90% of villages in Northeast India, including Assam, remain without 5G connectivity. In Assam alone, out of 26,395 villages, only 1,757 have 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) installed. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

To address this disparity, the government has undertaken multiple initiatives to improve digital connectivity in Assam’s rural regions.

The BharatNet project is being implemented in phases to provide broadband access to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages beyond GPs. Additionally, the Samriddh Gram Panchayat pilot project aims to facilitate Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections for public institutions, private enterprises, entrepreneurs, and households in selected Gram Panchayats across the country, including Assam. (egov.eletsonline.com)

The establishment of hyperscale data centers in Assam further strengthens the state’s digital infrastructure. These centers are expected to process vast amounts of regional data, enabling AI-driven governance, agriculture, and healthcare. The integration of edge computing technologies, which reduce latency by processing data closer to its source, could revolutionize rural connectivity, ensuring that remote villages have access to real-time telemedicine or precision farming tools. (sentinelassam.com)

The NER Tech Hackathon 2025, which saw 57 teams from colleges and startups across Northeast India competing to develop 5G-based solutions, underscores the region’s growing enthusiasm for technological innovation. The event highlighted the potential of 5G to transform sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and smart cities, with the top honor going to IndiMeat from Guwahati, which secured the Grand Prize of INR 10 Lakhs. (indiatodayne.in)

As Assam embarks on this digital transformation journey, the convergence of 5G technology with local innovation holds the key to bridging the digital divide. By fostering a culture of research and development, investing in infrastructure, and empowering local communities, Assam is poised to harness the full potential of 5G, ensuring that no village is left behind in the digital age.

Author Profile: Sanjeev Sarma is the Founder Director of Webx Technologies Private Limited, a leading technology consulting firm established in 2001. With over two decades of profound experience in the IT industry, he is a seasoned technology strategist and Chief Software Architect. His expertise spans Enterprise Software Architecture, Cloud-Native Applications, AI-Driven Platforms, and Mobile-First Solutions. Having begun his career with global IT giants like ZAP Infotech and IBM Global Services, he embodies a rare blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial audacity, consistently delivering transformative digital solutions for enterprises and government sectors alike. He is also the Managing Editor for Mahabahu.com, an international journal, reflecting his commitment to thought leadership and global discourse. Passionately driven by innovation, he actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and spearheads impactful digital solutions from his base in Northeast India.