"BharatNet Explained: India’s Digital Lifeline to Every Gram Panchayat"
1. Introduction
Define BharatNet as India’s massive public broadband network aimed at connecting ~2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across rural India.
Outline its role in empowering digital inclusion, closing the urban-rural digital divide, and supporting the Digital India vision.
2. What Is BharatNet?
Origins: Initially launched in 2011 as NOFN, rebranded to BharatNet in 2015.
Managed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), now merged with BSNL to streamline operations.
Funding model via the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
3. Phases of BharatNet
Phase Description Status
**Phase I (2011–2017)**
Connected ~1 lakh Gram Panchayats (≈3 lakh villages) via fiber optics Completed
Phase II (2017–by 2021/23)
Added ~1.5 lakh GPs across 16 states using fibre/radio/satellite Nearly done
Phase III / Amended BharatNet (2023–25) Last‑mile broadband roll‑out via PPP/UDYAMI model; aim to reach ~6.4 lakh villages Ongoing, ₹1.39 lakh crore approved
4. Current Status & Key Metrics (Mid‑2025)
- ~2.14 lakh GPs service‑ready; ~6.7–6.9 lakh km of optical fiber laid.
Over 7.6 lakh FTTH connections; ~1 lakh Wi‑Fi hotspots created.
Under the Udyami (village entrepreneur) model: ~351,000 home fiber connections enabled, reaching ~567,000 households.
5. Benefits of BharatNet
High-speed connectivity (minimum 100 Mbps per gram panchayat) enabling services like e-health, e-education, governance, agriculture, banking.
Directly aligns with Digital India, Make in India, and National Broadband Mission objectives.
Opens up rural entrepreneurship, remote education, telemedicine, and digital commerce ecosystems.
In this phase every gram Panchayat will be connected with BHQ (Block head quarter) locations. So that every GP will get better internet connectivity for rural development work.
6. Challenges & Opportunities
Early phases saw slow adoption—uptake of services at GPs remained low.
Terrain issues in remote and northeastern areas; infrastructure gaps.
PPP and local entrepreneur model help accelerate last‑mile coverage now.
Emerging satellite broadband (Starlink/Kuiper) poses competitive challenge & complementary role.
7. Case Spotlight: Meghalaya Solar‑Powered BharatNet Sites
Meghalaya has solarized 63 BharatNet‑1 sites in schools, ICDS centres, and community centers to ensure uninterrupted digital access.
8. Looking Ahead: National Broadband Mission 2.0 (2025–30)
Government aims to expand fiber to ~2.7 lakh villages, achieve ≥ 100 Mbps fixed broadband speeds, and connect anchor institutions (schools, PHCs, AG Centres) by 2030.
BharatNet remains central to achieving national connectivity goals.
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