The third and most ambitious phase of the BharatNet project, with an outlay of ₹65,000 crore, is set to create approximately 25,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next 2-3 years, according to TeamLease Services. This phase prioritizes last-mile connectivity to rural areas through innovative solutions, leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) and advanced technologies.
Key Features of BharatNet Phase III
1. Focus on Last-Mile Connectivity: Phase III targets 6.25 lakh villages with solutions like Wi-Fi hotspots (2-5 per gram panchayat) and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services, delivering high-speed internet of 100 Mbps or more.
2. Innovative Network Structure: A ring topology is being implemented to prevent network disruptions caused by single points of failure, addressing issues faced in previous phases.
3. Three-Tier Project Structure:
– BSNL will provide internet-leased line bandwidth.
– Private Players will manage middle-mile connectivity with operation and maintenance responsibilities for 10 years.
– Udyami Model: Local village entrepreneurs (Udyamis) will handle last-mile delivery to end users in collaboration with BSNL.
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Employment Opportunities
BharatNet’s rollout is expected to drive job creation in roles such as:
– Direct Roles: Fiber technicians, network operations center (NOC) staff.
– Indirect Roles: Installation and repair technicians, customer support professionals.
Additionally, fiber-sharing agreements with private players are anticipated to further scale operations, enhancing job opportunities.
Private Sector Involvement
State-owned BSNL had invited bids for BharatNet Phase III in August, attracting 21 bidders. Key private players and their bids include:
– HFCL-RVNL Consortium: ₹5,000 crore for multiple states.
– Polycab: ₹5,649 crore for Goa, Puducherry, and Karnataka.
These companies are undergoing financial and technical evaluations before the final awards.
From NOFN to BharatNet
Initially launched in October 2011 as the National Optic Fibre Network (NOFN) under the UPA government, BharatNet was rebranded and expanded to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and 6.4 lakh villages. Phases I and II, completed with a combined outlay of ₹42,068 crore, covered nearly half of these targets.
Progress and Challenges
India’s optical fiber connectivity has grown significantly, from 10.62 lakh kilometers in 2014 to 38.86 lakh kilometers in 2023. However, wired broadband penetration remains low at just 20%, according to TRAI data.
A Digital Leap for Rural India
Phase III of BharatNet represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide. By enhancing infrastructure, enabling entrepreneurship, and creating jobs, the project is poised to bring the vision of Digital India closer to reality while transforming rural broadband connectivity.
