BharatNet

The department of telecommunications (DoT) is in the process of framing broad framework under which it wants to implement the phase-II of the government’s pet project, BharatNet, through PPP mode. Under the project, the government wants to connect all the 2.50 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) of the country through optical fiber, in two phases of 1.25 lakh GPs each. Phase-I has been completed, but its utilization is almost negligible. A committee headed by Niti Ayog CEO had recommended to rollout the phase-II under PPP mode. It also suggested ways to ensure its proper utilization and maintenance. The committee’s