Rural connectivity, semiconductor gets a spending push in FY25; telecom receipts pegged at Rs 1.2 trillion, up 29%

The government’s spending on rural connectivity via the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and disbursements from the semiconductor incentive scheme will see a significant uptake in FY25, according to Budget estimates in the interim Budget of 2024-25.

This comes after the government is expected to end FY24 with a record high spending on rural connectivity at Rs 15,700 crore, which is up 51% from the earlier estimate of Rs 10,400 crore.