Soon, Govt to auction unused BharatNet fibre to private operators

The Universal Service Obligation Fund asked to work out all the options

After almost a year since the Department of Telecom signed memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with private telecom operators to use BharatNet broadband services to provide last-mile connectivity, the Digital Communications Commission (DCC, Telecom Commission) on Thursday decided to auction the fibres to private operators.

MoUs were signed with players including Airtel, RJio and Vodafone-Idea (then separate companies). The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) has been asked to work out all the options – including various leasing options and outright sale, the official said. But, in-principle, the idea is to encourage handing over to private players, making sure of utilisation, the official said.