About the Scheme
BharatNet connects all 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) with high-speed broadband via optical fibre. Phase I: 1 lakh GPs by 2017. Phase II: 2.5 lakh GPs by 2024. By 2025: 2.18 lakh GPs connected; 6+ lakh km optical fibre laid. Budget: ₹42,681 crore. Largest rural broadband programme globally.
Target Beneficiaries: 80 crore rural Indians; 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats; rural entrepreneurs, government services
Implementing Agency: Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), now merged with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), under the Department of Telecommunications.
Key Features
- 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats connected with high-speed broadband (2025)
- 6+ lakh km of optical fibre cable laid — world's largest rural broadband network
- 100 Mbps minimum bandwidth to each GP; 1 Gbps bandwidth available
- Last-mile: WiFi hotspots in GP buildings; internet access for common service centres
- Budget: ₹42,681 crore; implemented by BSNL under DoT
- Phase II: private sector partnership model in 9 states
- Enables e-governance, telemedicine, e-education, digital payments in rural areas
Eligibility Criteria
- All Gram Panchayats across India are eligible for broadband connectivity under the mission.
- Service providers (Telecom Service Providers, ISPs) can utilize the BharatNet infrastructure on a non-discriminatory basis.
- Local government bodies and institutions within Gram Panchayats are direct beneficiaries of the infrastructure.