BharatNet Mission

✦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.

★Benefits

• Enhanced access to digital services like e-governance, telemedicine, and online education in rural areas.
• Promotion of digital literacy and financial inclusion among the rural population.
• Creation of new economic opportunities and job creation in rural areas through digital entrepreneurship.
• Improved efficiency and transparency in local administration and public service delivery.
• Facilitates communication and disaster management in remote regions.

▶Application Process

• Phase-wise implementation involving identification of Gram Panchayats and network planning.
• Laying of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) and installation of network equipment (switches, routers).
• Commissioning of the network infrastructure and testing for connectivity.
• Service provisioning by various service providers utilizing the BharatNet infrastructure.
• Monitoring and maintenance of the established network for continuous operation.

₹ Budget Allocation

42681

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 100% Central Sector (Financed through Universal Service Obligation Fund - USOF)

Historical Context

Launched in 2011 as NOFN; rebranded as BharatNet in 2015 with expanded scope to provide 100 Mbps speed to all GPs.