BharatNet is planned to connect all the 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats in the country for providing broadband connectivity in the Gram Panchayats. Non-discriminatory access to the network will be provided to all the telecom service providers. These access providers like mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cable TV operators, content providers can launch various services in rural areas. Various applications for e-health, e-education, e-governance etc. will be provided. The project has been approved by Union Cabinet on 25.10.2011. The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which has been incorporated on 25.02.2012 under Indian Companies Act 1956.
On 30.04.2016, Telecom Commission approved to implement the project in three phases:
Phase-I 1,00,000 GPs. under implementation. Being executed by 3 CPSUs viz. BSNL, RailTel and PGCIL. Targeted to be completed by March 2017.
Phase-II Balance GPs using optical mix of underground/aerial OFC, radio and satellite to be used. To be executed by 3 CPSUs and State Govts. through their Discoms or any other agency. Targeted to be completed by December 2018.
Phase-III Futuristic network with ring topology to be used between districts and blocks and blocks and GPs. Targeted to be completed by 2023.
Sl. No. | Description of Work | Status |
1 | PLB Duct (pipe) laid | 2,82,054 Kms (1,21,531 GPs) |
2 | Optical Fibre laid | 2,92,686 Kms (1,20,130 GPs) |
3 | Tenders Finalized | 3291Â Blocks / 1,22,828Â GPs |
4 | Work Started* | 3285Â Blocks / 1,22,379Â GPs |
5 | Current Weekly performance of OFC laying | 382 Kms |
6 | Current Weekly performance of PLB duct laying | 339Â Kms |
7 | Optical Fibre Cable Delivered on site | 3,41,568 Kms |
8 | Service Ready (GPs) | 1,16,209Â GPs |
* does not include the data of Andhra Pradesh
The Cabinet has approved the implementation of National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) for providing broadband connectivity to 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats with a financial outlay of Rs. 20,100 crore. The project of National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) is being funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).