Context:
The Union Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs 1.39 lakh crore for BharatNet, the government’s project for last-mile connectivity across 6.4 lakh villages in the country.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- BharatNet Project: Transforming Rural Broadband Connectivity in India
- Phases of Implementation
- Budget Allocation
- Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans of the BharatNet Project
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: Indian Express
