BharatNet, an ambitious initiative by the Government of India

BharatNet, an ambitious initiative by the Government of India, aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) across the nation. This project stands as one of the largest rural telecom endeavors globally, with the goal of enhancing digital access in remote areas. By connecting approximately 2.5 lakh GPs, BharatNet seeks to empower rural communities, promote inclusive growth, and bridge the digital divide between urban and rural India.

Objectives and Phases of BharatNet

The primary objective of the BharatNet project is to ensure unrestricted access to broadband connectivity for all telecom service providers. This initiative enables mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and content providers to offer essential services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural regions. The project is structured in three phases, as approved by the Telecom Commission on April 30, 2016.

Phase I focused on laying optical fiber cables to connect 1 lakh GPs using existing infrastructure, which was completed in December 2017. Currently, Phase II is underway, expanding coverage to an additional 1.5 lakh GPs through a combination of optical fiber, radio, and satellite technologies. This phase involves collaboration with state governments and private entities. Meanwhile, Phase III aims to future-proof the network by integrating 5G technologies and enhancing bandwidth capacity, ensuring robust last-mile connectivity. The Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), approved in August 2023, is part of this ongoing evolution, targeting connectivity for 2.64 lakh GPs.

Funding and Implementation

BharatNet is primarily funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), which has replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The total funding approved for BharatNet’s Phase I and II amounts to Rs 42,068 crores, excluding GST and local taxes. As of December 31, 2023, approximately Rs 39,825 crores have been disbursed for the project since its inception. The execution of BharatNet is managed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in 2012. Under the ABP, BSNL has been designated as the single Project Management Agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the entire network.

As of March 19, 2025, BharatNet has made 2,18,347 GPs service-ready, with the optical fiber cable length reaching 42.13 lakh route kilometers. The project has also commissioned over 12 lakh Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) connections and installed more than 1 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots, significantly enhancing internet accessibility in rural areas.

Impact on Rural Development

BharatNet has had a transformative impact on rural India, contributing to socioeconomic development in various ways. By connecting remote villages to high-speed internet, the project facilitates access to e-governance, online education, and telemedicine. This digital inclusion enables rural populations to participate in digital commerce, access financial services, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Furthermore, it enhances educational and healthcare services by facilitating digital classrooms and telehealth initiatives.

The project also empowers local governance by enabling Gram Panchayats to implement e-governance projects effectively. In addition to BharatNet, other initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) and the National Broadband Mission (NBM) support digital empowerment in rural India, ensuring a comprehensive approach to bridging the digital divide.

Future Prospects and Collaborations

Looking ahead, BharatNet continues to evolve with the integration of advanced technologies and collaborative efforts. The partnership between DBN and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) aims to drive rural development by providing access to digital services and promoting a digital economy through high-speed broadband connectivity. This collaboration focuses on reference data sharing, digital content integration, and capacity building to enhance digital literacy in rural areas.

As of December 2024, approximately 6,25,853 villages have mobile connectivity, with 4G coverage reaching 6,18,968 villages. These efforts complement BharatNet’s objectives, further bridging the digital divide and ensuring that rural communities benefit from the advancements in digital technology. The ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity and digital services in rural India positions BharatNet as a cornerstone of the nation’s digital transformation strategy.

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