Uttar Pradesh is rapidly expanding 5G connectivity to its villages, aiming to bridge the digital divide. Major telecom operators like Jio and Airtel are deploying 5G infrastructure across the state, with Jio targeting full coverage by December 2023 and Airtel reaching over 200 towns. Free Wi-Fi initiatives and 5G services are transforming rural access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Uttar Pradesh’s 5G Revolution: High-Speed Internet Reaches Villages
5G Coverage Expansion in Uttar Pradesh
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are spearheading the 5G rollout in Uttar Pradesh, with ambitious plans to cover both urban and rural areas. Jio announced at the Uttar Pradesh Global Investor Summit 2023 that it aims to extend 5G services to every town and village in the state by December 2023, with services already live in cities like Agra, Kanpur, Meerut, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur. Airtel, on the other hand, has rolled out its 5G Plus network to over 200 towns and 408 villages in Uttar Pradesh East alone, surpassing 2 million 5G users in the region by June 2023. The state leads with 35,916 5G base transceiver stations (BTS), the highest in India, as per Department of Telecommunications (DoT) data.
Free Wi-Fi Initiatives for Villages
The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is complementing 5G efforts with free high-speed Wi-Fi in villages. Over 58,000 Gram Panchayats are being equipped with Wi-Fi facilities within a 50-meter radius of village secretariats, enabling access to digital services like education, e-governance, and online transactions. This initiative aims to transform villages into “smart villages” by enhancing digital infrastructure, with additional features like CCTV and public address systems.
Impact on Rural Communities
The rollout of 5G and free Wi-Fi is poised to revolutionize rural Uttar Pradesh. High-speed internet is expected to boost agriculture through precision farming, improve access to online education via initiatives like Jio’s “Jio School,” and enhance healthcare with programs like “Jio AI Doctor.” Additionally, 5G’s low latency and high speeds are enabling digital payments and e-commerce, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities in rural areas.
Performance and Challenges
During the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, 5G networks demonstrated their capability, with Jio reporting 83.9% 5G availability and page load times of 1.99 seconds, significantly outperforming 4G. However, challenges like network congestion and limited fiberized backhaul (only one-third of mobile towers are fiber-connected) pose hurdles. Operators are addressing these by deploying temporary infrastructure and leveraging E-band spectrum to support 5G traffic.
Future Prospects and Investments
Reliance Jio has committed ₹75,000 crore for Uttar Pradesh’s telecom, retail, and renewable sectors, while Airtel plans to cover all urban areas by March 2024. The state’s focus on digital connectivity aligns with India’s $5 trillion economic goal, with 5G expected to drive innovation in rural construction, tourism, and small businesses. The government’s streamlined Right of Way (RoW) policies and the Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal are facilitating faster infrastructure deployment.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news, reports, and official statements from telecom operators and government sources, including the Department of Telecommunications, Airtel, Jio, and media outlets like India Today and PIB. Data is accurate as of September 2025, but network performance and coverage may vary based on location and infrastructure development.