Understanding the Need for BharatNet

• Despite the extensive digital connectivity in urban India, rural areas still lack adequate connectivity. There are approximately 50,000 villages in India without even basic voice connectivity.
• India has around 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats, with each serving about 2.56 villages on average. This translates to roughly 6,40,000 villages in total.
• While private entities provide connectivity in urban India, they are less inclined to extend their services to rural areas due to factors like low population density, high capital investments required for infrastructure setup, and high operational costs.
• Therefore, the government has taken the initiative to bridge this digital gap through the BharatNet project. The project not only aims to make administration efficient and transparent but also envisions generating employment and facilitating rapid dissemination of information.

What is BharatNet?

BharatNet, formerly known as the National Optic Fibre Network (NOFN), is a modified project proposed by an expert committee. The project aims to provide broadband network projects across India, ensuring affordable high-speed internet connectivity to all households, specifically in rural areas. It is executed by BSNL, RailTel, and Power Grid and is funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

• The BharatNet Project aims to provide broadband connectivity to households under village Panchayats and government institutions at the district level.
• The project is expected to cover all 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats to facilitate services like E-governance, E-healthcare, E-Commerce, E-Education, and Public Interest Access.
• The first phase of the BharatNet Project was completed in December 2017, providing internet access to 1 lakh Gram Panchayats.
• The project also aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, with all equipment for the programme being indigenously designed and manufactured in India.

Recent Updates on BharatNet Project-

The deadline for the completion of the BharatNet Project has been extended till June 2021 from December 2020. Tata Projects Ltd, which was awarded the project in July 2018, has been issued a notice for failing to meet the projected milestones.

Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF):

The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) was set up to provide access to ‘Basic’ telecom services to people in remote and rural areas at reasonable and affordable prices. The scope was later expanded to provide subsidy support for all types of telegraph services, including mobile services, broadband connectivity, and creation of infrastructure like Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) in rural and remote areas.

Current Status of BharatNet Implementation

The BharatNet Project is being implemented in two Phases:

• Phase-I: This phase, which aimed to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs), has been completed. The implementation was done through CPSUs: BSNL, RailTel, PGCIL. Existing fibre of BSNL (between Block to GPs) was used to lay and connect new OFC under the project. At present work is under progress in balance GPs.
• Phase-II: This phase aims to connect around 1.42 Lakh GPs. New OFC from Block to GPs will be laid and maintained by dedicated Fibres providers for GPs.

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