BharatNet Expands Connectivity to Rural India

In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Baghel stated that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is implementing the project in phases to ensure broadband connectivity reaches all Gram Panchayats nationwide.

The BharatNet infrastructure is classified as a national asset and is accessible to service providers without discrimination. It supports various broadband services, including Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, leased lines, dark fiber, and backhaul connections for mobile towers. As of February 2025, a total of 2,14,323 Gram Panchayats are service-ready, Baghel confirmed.

Additionally, the Union Cabinet has approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), adopting a design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) model. The revised program aims to upgrade the existing network under BharatNet Phases I and II, expand connectivity to approximately 42,000 Gram Panchayats that are yet to become service-ready, and ensure network operation and maintenance for the next decade.

Baghel also noted that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been assigned the task of providing 1.50 crore FTTH connections to households over the next five years. The completion timeline for the ABP is set for March 2027.