BharatNet: Bridging the Digital Divide

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• BharatNet, has helped connect more than 2.14 lakh gram panchayats by utilising optical fibre, radio, and satellite technologies.

Background

• The government of India launched BharatNet in October 2011, under the Ministry of Communications.
• It is an ambitious project aimed at providing affordable high-speed internet access to every Gram Panchayat in the country. 
• BharatNet operates as the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity program. 

Amended BharatNet 2023

• In 2023, the government approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) at a cost of Rs. 1,39,579 crores.
• The program provides for internet access by Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology and also to provide connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages (approx. 3.8 lakhs) on demand basis. 
• The ABP is aiming at;
  • Provision of optical fiber connectivity to non-GP villages on demand basis,
  • Provision for Operation and maintenance for 10 years, including monitoring of network uptime through Centralized Network Operating Centre (CNOC) and payment to Project Implementation Agency (PIA) as per Service Level Agreement (SLA),
  • Provision of Power backup of adequate level at GPs and Blocks,
  • Provision of Remote Fibre Monitoring System (RFMS) at Block for fibre monitoring.

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

• DBN is a fund that aims to improve the quality and accessibility of telecommunications services in India. 
• It was established by the government of India as a replacement for the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). 

Working of BharatNet

• Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was incorporated in 2012 for the execution of the project.
• In 2016, the Telecom Commission approved to implement the project in three phases:
  • Phase I: Focused on laying optical fiber cables to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats by utilizing existing infrastructure. 
  • Phase II: Expanded the coverage to an additional 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats using optical fiber, radio, and satellite technologies. 
  • Phase III: Aims at future-proofing the network by integrating 5G technologies, increasing bandwidth capacity, and ensuring robust last-mile connectivity. This phase is ongoing, with a focus on improving accessibility and reliability.

Impact of BharatNet

• Digital Inclusion: The project has connected remote villages to high-speed internet, enabling access to e-governance services, online education, and telemedicine.
  • Initiatives like the Digital India program thrive on BharatNet’s infrastructure.
• Economic Opportunities: With internet access, rural communities can participate in digital commerce, access financial services, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. 
• Education and Healthcare: BharatNet has enabled digital classrooms and telehealth services, bridging the resource gap in rural areas. 
• Empowering Local Governance: Gram Panchayats use BharatNet to implement e-governance projects, improving transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in public services.

Conclusion

• BharatNet holds the promise of transforming rural India into a digitally empowered society. It is a lifeline for millions of rural Indians aspiring to connect with opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings. 
• With robust execution and sustained efforts, BharatNet will continue to bridge the digital divide and empower every corner of India with the transformative power of the internet.

Source: PIB