The scope of the BharatNet project was further extended in July last year when it was decided that the government would provide INR 19,041 crore as viability gap funding. 1.71 lakh gram panchayats are interconnected out of the country’s 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
January 17, 2022
With the aim to consolidate all its telecom operations in one division, the government is planning to merge the operations and assets of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
According to a recent news report – the centre is considering winding up the BBNL, which was established around a decade ago as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to connect gram panchayats with high-speed optic fibre, and allocating its job to state-owned telecom provider BSNL.
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The BharatNet project is being implemented by BBNL, with the Universal Service Obligation Fund having been disbursed close to INR 24,000 crore. So far, 1.71 lakh gram panchayats are interconnected out of the country’s 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
According to various sources, the idea to wind up BBNL and assign its functions to BSNL was proposed a few months ago, and about four to five meetings have taken place to finalise the modalities.
Also Read: ITI Limited Wins INR 433 crore Order for BharatNet Phase-II from Tamil Nadu Government
The scope of the BharatNet project was further extended in July last year when it was decided that the government would provide INR 19,041 crore as viability gap funding. With this, the total outlay for the BharatNet project had increased to INR 61,109 crore, which includes the INR 42,068 crore approved in 2017.
