Bharat Net Project

Why is in news? Scheme for recognition of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) excelling in providing Rural Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connections

In a significant move aimed at promoting digital inclusion and socio-economic development in the rural India, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has launched a scheme to recognize Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for their exceptional efforts in expanding Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband connections in rural areas.

Key Highlights of the Scheme:

Under this scheme, DoT, has decided to recognize nine ISPs, three each of category A, B and C, who have provided maximum number of net additions in rural FTTH Connections in a year.

The recognition would include a certificate and name of the ISP would be displayed on DOT website. The recognition will be given annually for the net additions from April to March. The first recognition would be for the period 1st April, 2023 to 31st March, 2024.

Category A: ISPs in this category should achieve a minimum of 50,000 net additions in rural FTTH connections.

Category B: ISPs in this category are required to achieve a minimum of 10,000 net additions in rural FTTH connections.

Category C: ISPs in this category must achieve a minimum of 2,000 net additions in rural FTTH connections.

This initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing digital access and connectivity in rural areas, ultimately driving socio-economic development and inclusive growth across the nation.

About:

BharatNet Project was originally launched in 2011 as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) and renamed as Bharat-Net in 2015.

It seeks to provide connectivity to 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) through optical fibre.

It is a flagship mission implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Ltd. (BBNL).

The objective is to facilitate the delivery of e-governance, e-health, e-education, e-banking, Internet and other services to rural India.

The project is a Centre-State collaborative project, with the States contributing free Rights of Way for establishing the Optical Fibre Network.

The entire project is being funded by Universal service Obligation Fund (USOF), which was set up for improving telecom services in rural and remote areas of the country.

Vision of the project:

To establish a highly scalable network infrastructure accessible on a non-discriminatory basis.

To provide on demand, affordable broadband connectivity of 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps for all households and on demand capacity to all institutions.

To realise the vision of Digital India, in partnership with States and the private sector.