Tamil Nadu Boosts Broadband Access Through DBN Agreement
In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance digital infrastructure, the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) has signed a key Utilisation Agreement aimed at expanding broadband connectivity throughout rural Tamil Nadu. The agreement, finalized at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi, marks a significant step under the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), empowered by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
This partnership connects the Digital Bharat Nidhi, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Tamil Nadu FibreNet Corporation (TANFINET) to utilize the BharatNet network effectively. The event was graced by notable figures including Shri Shyamal Misra, Administrator of DBN, and Shri Atul Anand, Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu’s Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Digital Services Department, who participated through video conferencing.
The Union Cabinet sanctioned the Amended BharatNet Program on August 4, 2023, focusing on upgrading the current BharatNet infrastructure to deliver robust and reliable broadband access to every Gram Panchayat and village, addressing connectivity on a demand basis.
As part of this agreement, the Indian government has allocated financial subsidies to support the implementation of the BharatNet network across Tamil Nadu. This initiative is set to provide over 500,000 rural households with fiber connections, significantly improving access to digital services such as e-Governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments, and other citizen-centric services in remote and rural regions. Additionally, connectivity will be extended to 4,767 villages, ensuring the strengthening of last-mile connectivity.
The recent agreement will accelerate the rollout of the Amended BharatNet Program in Tamil Nadu, fostering the vision of a tech-savvy society and contributing to a knowledge-driven economy.
About Digital Bharat Nidhi
Established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act of 2003 and effective from April 1, 2002, the Digital Bharat Nidhi (previously known as USOF) operates under the Department of Telecommunications. With the implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 2023, the Universal Service Obligation Fund has evolved into what we now recognize as DBN. This entity strives to promote equitable access to telecommunications in underprivileged rural, remote, and urban communities.
To fulfill its objectives, the DBN oversees various initiatives, including the BharatNet project, efforts to enhance mobile service availability in unreached districts, and initiatives targeting mobile connectivity in challenging terrains such as border areas and Himalayan regions.
The ongoing efforts reflect the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering communities through enhanced connectivity.
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