What is the BharatNet Scheme?
The BharatNet Scheme, launched under the Digital India program, aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to rural areas across India at affordable prices using optical fiber technology. As the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity project, BharatNet seeks to offer broadband services to citizens in rural and remote regions. The scheme targets coverage of approximately 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and 6 lakh villages. Additionally, it facilitates B2B services in a non-discriminatory manner, aligning with the vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy by establishing internet connectivity infrastructure for gram panchayats.
भारतनेट – देश के कोने कोने तक इंटरनेट का हाईवे। pic.twitter.com/7qRWjbgly5
— DoT India (@DoT_India) August 9, 2024
BharatNet : India’s Digital Backbone pic.twitter.com/dSabfp0cFm
— DoT India (@DoT_India) June 15, 2025
BharatNet Scheme Implementation & Connectivity Planning
IIT Bombay has developed a planning tool for the BharatNet Scheme’s implementation. This tool proposes fiber topology for gram panchayats and integrates wireless and satellite links where necessary. It also determines the optimal technology and network topology, ensuring technological feasibility and sustainable network infrastructure.
BharatNet Scheme Services
The BharatNet Project provides connectivity to service providers like TSPs, ISPs, MSOs, LCOs, and government agencies, enabling them to extend their services from blocks to gram panchayats. This project serves as a middle-mile network connecting blocks to gram panchayats, offering the following services:
#BharatNet is transforming rural India with #broadband access! Over 212,000 gram panchayats now enjoy essential #online services in health, education, and governance.
— COAI (@ConnectCOAI) June 19, 2024
How would better #internet impact your community? #DigitalIndia #RuralEmpowerment @DoT_India pic.twitter.com/BgaJIcc2v6
Transforming lives with connectivity! Over 6.87 lakh km of optical fiber laid under #BharatNet, bringing high-speed internet to rural India. #ConnectivityForAll pic.twitter.com/ZyeJMrgnxX
— Universal Service Obligation Fund (@USOF_India) July 3, 2024
Dark Fibre Service Factor
Service providers can utilize dark fiber on the new incremental cable laid by BBNL between blocks and gram panchayats. This fiber is available in 15,000 gram panchayats at attractive rates of Rs 2250 per fiber per km per annum.
Broadband Connection Under BharatNet Scheme
The cabinet approved the implementation strategy for the BharatNet scheme via the PPP model on June 29, 2021. The scheme aims to provide broadband connections to villages in 16 states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian government will allocate Rs 19,041 crore for this initiative, covering 3.61 lakh villages at a total cost of Rs 29,432 crore, as stated by Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Objectives of the BharatNet Scheme
The primary goal of the BharatNet Scheme is to deliver internet connectivity to rural and remote areas, improving the quality of life for rural families by providing broadband access. This scheme aims to enhance transparency, facilitate online services, and enable students in rural areas to take online classes, thus contributing to their educational success.
Benefits and Features of the BharatNet Scheme
– Provides high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas at affordable prices.
– Utilizes optical fiber for digital connectivity.
– Recognized as the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity project.
– Offers B2B services non-discriminatorily.
– Supports the vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
– Establishes internet connectivity infrastructure for gram panchayats.
