Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 9: Karnataka is one of the fastest developing states in the country. The state, which has the capital city known as the Silicon City, is also considered a leader in adopting modern technology in India. However, despite being a model state in technological advancement, several villages in Karnataka still do not have mobile network connectivity.
Karnataka is widely known as a progressive state that embraces innovation and modern technology. The state has earned several recognitions such as Silicon City, Start-up City, Vibrant City and Science City, reflecting its rapid development and adoption of new technologies across sectors.
In terms of digitalization, computerization and mobile usage, Karnataka ranks among the leading states in the country. Even as India has entered the era of 5G mobile technology, it is surprising that several villages in the state still do not have any mobile connectivity.
Though Karnataka is at the forefront of technological adoption, many villages have yet to experience mobile network coverage. According to information provided by the Department of Telecommunications in the Lok Sabha, as many as 470 villages in Karnataka do not have mobile network connectivity. This places the state among the ‘telecom black spot’ regions in the country.
As of January 31, 2026, there are 8,985 villages in India without mobile network connectivity. Among the states in South India, Karnataka has the highest number of such villages.
Uttara Kannada district tops the list in the state with 189 villages lacking mobile network connectivity, followed by Shivamogga (75), Chikkamagaluru (40), Chamarajanagar (25), Belagavi (19) and Kalaburagi (18).
After Karnataka, the states with the highest number of villages without mobile network connectivity are Odisha (1,237), Arunachal Pradesh (1,185), Madhya Pradesh (960) and Maharashtra (872).
In comparison, Andhra Pradesh has 394 villages without mobile network coverage, Telangana has 228, and Tamil Nadu has only three such villages, while all villages in Kerala have mobile network connectivity.
It is said that the lack of mobile network connectivity in these areas is mainly due to hilly terrain, difficult geographical conditions, forested regions and limited commercial viability.
Meanwhile, the central government has stated that the BharatNet scheme is being implemented to provide broadband connectivity to villages. It has also informed that 23,994 mobile towers have already been installed across the country to expand 4G services.