The bid opening date for the BharatNet Phase 3 project has been postponed to August 7, 2024, with the last date for submitting bids now set for August 5, 2024. This change was announced by BSNL through Amendment No. 28. The postponement pertains to the tender for the design, supply, construction, installation, upgrade, operation, and maintenance of BharatNet’s middle-mile network, as per Tender Enquiry No: MM/BNO&M/BN-III/T-791/2024 issued on February 15, 2024.
The BharatNet Phase 3 project is divided into 16 packages and features a three-tier structure:
– Internet leased line bandwidth provided by BSNL at 7,269 blocks
– Middle-mile connectivity managed by private players for 10 years
– Last-mile connectivity through the Udyami model
This tender is part of the ₹1.39 lakh crore BharatNet program, which aims to provide last-mile connectivity, upgrade existing 164,000 gram panchayats, and connect an additional 47,000 gram panchayats under a new model.