BharatNet (previously NOFN):

AgreementMaterial For Download

Introduction

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.

Status of the Project: Phase-I (as on 18.11.2018 ):

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	3291 Blocks / 1,22,828 GPs
4	Work Started*	3285 Blocks / 1,22,379 GPs
5	Current Weekly performance of OFC laying	382 Kms
6	Current Weekly performance of PLB duct laying	339 Kms
7	Optical Fibre Cable Delivered on siteÂ	3,41,568 Kms
8	Service Ready (GPs)	1,16,209 GPs

* does not include the data of Andhra Pradesh

Phase-II:

• On 30.04.2016, the Telecom Commission approved optimal mix of Underground/aerial OFC, radio and Satellite media for connecting GPs in Phase-II.
• A video conference was held on 23.05.2016 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (T) with State representatives regarding laying of aerial OFC on the electricity lines.
• 10 States have so far submitted their plan for survey/GIS mapping of their power lines. Out of these, approval has been accorded for release of fund to Five States (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Bihar and Tamil Nadu).

Financial Outlay and Utilisation of Fund:

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).