CSC WiFi Choupal:

Introduction

The objective of the scheme is to provide last mile connectivity leveraging BharatNet infrastructure for providing broadband services in Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages. USP shall set up Wi-Fi Choupal at 5000 Gram Panchayats (GP) using BharatNet end-points at GPs and extending it over a Wi-Fi network to nearby villages. This project aims to:

Create a Wi-Fi coverage zone in GPs and villages so as to cover inhabited areas of the villages. The target end-user devices would be smartphones and tablets. Consider alternate modes of powering (solar) for the Wi-Fi and associated equipment. Test the robustness of the model which would provide inputs to other service providers for entry in rural markets and develop their own models for provision of services in rural areas.

USOF shall provide financial support as per the Financial Conditions of the Agreement. The infrastructure created under this project shall owned by the CSC e Governance Services India Limited. A list of 5,000 Gram Panchayats for setting up of Wi-Fi Choupal is given at Appendix-I of the Agreement dated 31-03-2017.

Deliverables

• The USP shall be solely responsible for supply, installation, Testing, Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance of all the infrastructure created under the project for setting up of Wi-Fi Choupal in 5.000 Gram Panchayats (as per Appendix-I) and villages, including their associated core network.
• USP shall provide broadband internet over Wi-Fi on non-discriminatory basis to all the users.
• USP shall setup 8 Access Points (AP) for each Wi-Fi Choupal, using BharatNet network as backhaul.
• The USP shall be solely responsible for provision and operation of necessary equipment and systems, treatment of subscriber complaints, collection of charges and issue of receipts thereof, attending to claims with settlements and damages arising out of his operations. It may have back-end agreement with Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLE) or any person authorized by USP I for any or all of the functions at their discretion.
• The USP shall replace the faulty & damaged equipment, infrastructure and access points with its own cost for agreement period.
• The USP shall be responsible for the security of all the infrastructure including hardware, software. USP shall file Police complaints against deliberately defacing of infrastructure including theft and damage. However, USP shall be responsible for the settlement of such cases to ensure the upkeep of Wi-Fi network all the times for the agreement period.
• After deployment of the project, impact Assessment by and independent agency shall to be conducted to ascertain the efficacy and utility of the project which would provide input for further deployment and extension of the project. Framework or impact Assessment is at Annuxure-1 of the Agreement dated 31-03-2017.

Timelines

• The Rollout period for setting up 5000 Wi-Fi Choupals shall be six months from the date of signing of the Agreement dated 21-03-2017.
• The proof of concept report shall be submitted in six months.
• The Evaluation/impact Assessment shall be carried out and submitted to USOF by USP within 6 to 12 months from the signing of the USPF agreement.
• USP will operate the sites and deliver service for a minimum period of three years from the date of commissioning Validity of Agreement dated 31-03-2017, whichever is earlier.
• The USP shall provide the month-wise Rollout plan to implement the project within 15 days of signing of the agreement dated 31-03-2017.
• The Rollout period will not include on of days work not done due to FORCE MAJEURE and Suspension as per clause 2.10

Duration of Agreement

The Agreement shall be valid for a period of 03 years (36 Months) from the effective date unless revoked earlier for reasons as specified elsewhere in the document.