From Connection to Growth: An Assessment of the Potential of FTTX in India

The Indian telecommunications industry is growing rapidly, but its digital infrastructure is yet to reach full potential. Fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) is a high-speed broadband network that delivers fiber optic cables directly to the user’s premises, enabling faster internet speeds and improved connectivity. This research paper assesses the potential impact of FTTx technology on India’s economic growth. The paper examines the current state of the telecommunications industry in India and analyzes the factors that are hindering the growth of FTTx technology in the country. The potential benefits of FTTx, including increased broadband penetration, enhanced e-commerce, and improved access to e-learning and telemedicine services, are highlighted. The authors also discuss the challenges faced by FTTx technology in India, such as high installation costs and insufficient regulatory support. It reviews the existing literature on the impact of FTTx on economic growth and development in other countries. A theoretical framework is developed to evaluate the potential impact of FTTx on India’s economic growth based on this evidence. The paper suggests that FTTx can promote economic growth by improving productivity, enabling digital transformation, and supporting entrepreneurship. The paper concludes that FTTx has substantial potential to promote economic growth in India. To facilitate the expansion of FTTx technology, targeted policy interventions such as tax incentives, regulatory reforms, and public-private partnerships are recommended. The adoption of FTTx technology could lead to a substantial increase in GDP, as evidenced by the experience of other countries. Therefore, the Indian government should prioritize the development of FTTx infrastructure to realize its full potential as a catalyst for economic growth.