Context:
On June 6, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approved a wireless network architecture developed at IIT Bombay, designed to provide affordable broadband access in rural areas.
Relevance:
GS III: Infrastructure
Dimensions of the Article:
- Fundamentals of Cellular Networks
- IEEE 2061-2024 Standard: Wireless Network Architecture for Rural Broadband Access
- Challenges of Mobile Connectivity in Rural India
- BharatNet Project: Transforming Rural Broadband Connectivity in India
- Phases of Implementation
- Budget Allocation
- Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans of the BharatNet Project
Fundamentals of Cellular Networks
Cellular Network Basics
- Components:
- Access Network (AN): Base stations providing wireless coverage within defined areas.
- Core Network (CN): Central network interconnecting AN with external networks like the Internet.
- AN Description:
- Role: Provides wireless connectivity via base stations deployed throughout regions.
- Deployment: Towers with antennae, established by network operators across coverage areas.
- CN Description:
- Function: Connects AN to external networks.
- Infrastructure: Centrally located, connected to AN via optical fiber backhaul.
- Mobility Support: Essential feature ensuring seamless user mobility across cellular networks.
IEEE 2061-2024 Standard: Wireless Network Architecture for Rural Broadband Access
Overview of IEEE 2061-2024 Standard
- Definition: Specifies a wireless network architecture tailored for affordable broadband access in rural areas.
- Approval: Approved by IEEE on June 6, 2024.
- Network Components:
- Access Network (AN): Includes heterogeneous base stations allowing for coexistence of different types.
- Core Network (CN): Similar to cellular networks, facilitates connectivity beyond the AN.
Contrasting with Cellular Networks
- AN Differences:
- IEEE 2061-AN: Heterogeneous base stations with varied coverage.
- 5G-AN: Homogeneous base stations with consistent coverage, smaller in area.
- Middle Mile Network:
- Function: Uses multi-hop wireless middle-mile networks to extend connectivity where optical-fiber links are impractical.
- Advantages: Cost-effective over long distances, provides direct Internet access bypassing CN, suitable for stationary rural users.
- Direct User Communication:
- Capability: Facilitates direct communication between nearby users within AN, enhancing efficiency akin to direct travel between towns without central detour.
Challenges of Mobile Connectivity in Rural India
Rural Connectivity Issues
- Disparity:
- Tele-density: Urban areas exceed 127%, while rural areas are at 58%, highlighting digital divide challenges.
- Factors Affecting Connectivity:
- Economic Barriers: High costs deter rural adoption of mobile services.
- Geographical Challenges: Low population density, remote locations complicate infrastructure deployment.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Cost and complexity hinder fiber optic expansion to remote villages.
- Development Focus:
- Urban Bias: R&D emphasis on high-speed, low-latency needs of urban 5G networks neglects rural connectivity requirements.
- Outcome: Rural areas lag significantly in mobile network coverage and service quality.
BharatNet Project: Transforming Rural Broadband Connectivity in India
- BharatNet is the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity initiative, focusing on optical fiber-based internet access.
- It is managed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a special purpose organization under the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications.
- Aligned with the Digital India program, it aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance rural internet access.
Features & Benefits:
- Leveraging optical fiber technology, the project aims to connect over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats across India with broadband internet.
- The goal is to provide a minimum of 100 Mbps bandwidth to each Gram Panchayat, facilitating access to e-services like e-governance, e-learning, e-commerce, and more.
- Wi-Fi hotspots are being established in all gram panchayats, ensuring last-mile connectivity.
- The project is expected to boost direct and indirect employment opportunities and increase income generation in rural areas.
- Home broadband packages are available, starting from Rs 399 per month, offering 30 Mbps unlimited data and bundled OTT services.
Phases of Implementation:
- The project is being implemented in three phases, as approved by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2016.
Phase-I:
- Aiming to cover 1,00,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs).
- Execution carried out by three Central Public Sector Units (CPSUs): BSNL, RailTel, and PGCIL.
- Targeted completion by March 2017.
Phase-II:
- Encompasses the remaining GPs using a mix of underground/aerial optical fiber cables (OFC), radio, and satellite technologies.
- Involves three CPSUs and State Governments, often through their Discoms (Distribution Companies) or other agencies.
- Targeted completion by December 2018.
Phase-III:
- Envisions a futuristic network with a ring topology connecting districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats.
- Targeted completion by 2023.
- The BharatNet project’s multi-phased approach aims to achieve comprehensive broadband connectivity in rural areas, leveraging a combination of technologies and partnerships for nationwide impact.
Budget Allocation:
- The BharatNet project has been allocated a total budget of Rs. 61,000 crore.
- Funds are allocated in a consolidated manner, not specific to individual states or Union Territories.
- The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) disburses a lump sum amount to Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) for project execution.
- USOF collects levies from telecom companies to support communication service development in rural and underserved areas.
Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans of the BharatNet Project
Achievements So Far:
- Initial goal: Connecting 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with optical fiber by August 2021.
- Current status: Approximately 1.94 lakh villages connected; remaining villages expected to be connected within the next 2.5 years.
- Delays caused by COVID-related lockdowns and movement restrictions.
- Government extended the project deadline to 2025 in the Union Budget 2022-23.
Challenges Faced:
Slow Implementation:
- Implementation progress has been relatively slow.
- About 194,000 gram panchayats have been made service-ready as of March this year.
- Around 6,000 gram panchayats were added from November 2022 to March.
PPP Mode Challenges:
- Initial attempt to involve private companies through a public-private partnership (PPP) model faced challenges.
- First request for proposal (RFP) in July 2021 received no response from private players.
- Concerns over onerous terms and conditions and unfavorable revenue sharing model.
Future Plans:
- Government to introduce a revised PPP model for the BharatNet project in the coming months.
- The updated model aims to address challenges faced by private companies and attract their participation.
- The focus remains on expanding optical fiber-based broadband connectivity to rural areas across India.
-Source: The Hindu
