BharatNet

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Communications Minister informed about BharatNet’s progress, digital connectivity expansion, and National Broadband Mission 2.0 targets for 2030.

• Aim – To bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed broadband connectivity to rural India.
  • Especially focused on Gram Panchayats and villages.
• Launched in – October 2011.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Communications.
• Implementation – A Centre–State collaborative project with States providing free Right of Way (RoW).
  • Right of Way (ROW) – It is a set of property rights given to government agencies, allowing them to construct and maintain important projects.
• Key Features – Funded by – Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• Connectivity – Through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), satellite, radio, fibre over power lines, and Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Coverage – Expanded to cover all villages and implemented through the PPP model in 16 States.
• Progress – Over 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats connected under Phases I and II.
• More than 2 lakh villages covered and over 1 lakh Wi-Fi installations completed (as of Sept 2025).
• Significance – Bridges the digital divide between urban and rural India.
• Enables e-governance, e-health, e-education, agriculture services, and welfare delivery directly to rural citizens.
• Backbone for the Digital India initiative and inclusive digital growth.

Quick Fact

Reference

PIB | BharatNet