India’s Draft Telecom Policy Dials Into Sustainability. But Is The Signal Still Weak?

But, flip or rather scroll to the last two pages of the recent draft National Telecom Policy 2025, and mission number 6 is sustainable development. National policy or not, some companies are already finding innovative eco-friendly solutions for green telecom infrastructure — think bamboo and even khadi. 

“The National Telecom Policy 2025’s vision for a connected India must rest on a foundation of sustainability and global relevance,” Paritosh Prajapati, CEO of GX Group, a leading broadband equipment maker, told The Secretariat.

Green Targets Get A Signal Boost

Under the draft policy, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has set clear green goals with the mnemonic 30-30-30. The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of the telecom service sector by 30 per cent and shift 30 per cent of telecom towers to renewable energy by 2030. 

The policy also proposes to implement a comprehensive e-waste management framework, develop sustainability standards, promote energy-efficient networks, and integrate the telecom sector into the Indian carbon market.

“Success depends not just on achieving connectivity targets but on translating these into measurable green outcomes by embedding circular economy principles across design, innovation, and supply chains,” said Prajapati. 

Circular, Not Roundabout

The policy's emphasis on circularity is one of its more progressive elements. It proposes recycling mandates for manufacturers, refurbished product incentives, product stewardship frameworks, and the integration of green principles into public procurement and DoT schemes.

In practice, this would mean building greener from the ground up — not just disposing responsibly. Companies like GX Group are experimenting with next-generation hardware designed using renewable Indian materials.

“Achieving India’s ambition to become a global digital powerhouse demands a strategic focus on sustainable innovation — rooted in smart eco-design and full-spectrum supply chain control," said Prajapati. 

“By developing next-generation hardware using renewable Indian materials like khadi and bamboo, we not only reduce e-waste and support local industries, but also align with global environmental norms and export standards. This positions India as a self-reliant yet globally competitive technology manufacturing hub,” he said. 

Global Standards And Local Stakes

The idea aligns with international trends, too. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which taxes high-carbon imports, is just one of many emerging frameworks that may impact Indian telecom exports in the future.

“Embedding sustainability throughout our design and manufacturing ecosystems strengthens compliance with evolving global frameworks,” he said. 

“By aligning our domestic manufacturing with global demand trends — such as low-carbon products, energy-efficient infrastructure, and eco-certified materials — India enhances its role in the global supply chain,” explained Prajapati.

Clean Targets, But An Unclear Route

The draft policy has plans to promote energy-efficient telecom networks through AI-enabled optimisation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and energy consumption ratings for network components. It also proposes a Centre of Excellence on Sustainability in Telecom and new courses on circular economy in collaboration with academic institutions.

The draft NTP-25 says all the right things, but achieving these targets demands more than good intentions. The industry still relies heavily on diesel-powered base stations, especially in rural areas, and most network equipment is imported with little room for domestic eco-innovation. 

Monitoring compliance and financing transitions remain key challenges. Many of the ambitions lack specifics on implementation, funding, and accountability.

The policy encourages adoption of the “Green Energy Open Access” framework to encourage states to supply green power to telecom infrastructure, but the extent of inter-state collaboration or incentives remains vague.

Without clarity on how these strategies will be financed or enforced, the risk is that these goals remain aspirational. 

A recent research paper on India’s ICT sector proposes empirical backing for two central ideas embedded in the draft policy: Green energy adoption can have broader economic benefits, not just emission reduction and that scaling telecom infrastructure alongside sustainability encourages investment and growth.

“With a collaborative push across government, industry, and innovators, India can lead the next wave of green digital infrastructure — one that not only connects every citizen but also champions a climate-resilient, circular economy-led future,” said Prajapati.

Weigh In 

The draft policy is open to public consultation till August 11, giving stakeholders, from large telcos to equipment makers and civilians, a chance to make their concerns and recommendations on India's digital and environmental future heard. 

While the vision is commendable, the coming months will determine whether India can move from promises on paper to measurable progress in the towers.