BharatNet

Context

BharatNet, has helped join more than 2.14 lakh gram panchayats by utilizing optical fibre, radio, and satellite technology.

Background

• The government of India released BharatNet in October 2011, under the Ministry of Communications.
• It is an ambitious mission geared toward offering affordable high-speed net access to each Gram Panchayat in the country. 
• BharatNet operates as the sector’s biggest rural broadband connectivity application. 

Amended BharatNet 2023

• • In 2023, the government accredited the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) at a price of Rs. 1,39,579 crores.
  • The program provides for net access by means of Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology and also to offer connectivity to the last non-GP villages (approx. 3.8 lakhs) on demand basis. 

• The ABP is aiming at;

• • Provision of optical fiber connectivity to non-GP villages on demand foundation,
  • Provision for Operation and renovation for 10 years, which includes tracking of network uptime through Centralized Network Operating Centre (CNOC) and charge to Project Implementation Agency (PIA) as per Service Level Agreement (SLA),
  • Provision of Power backup of good enough degree at GPs and Blocks,
  • Provision of Remote Fibre Monitoring System (RFMS) at Block for fibre tracking.

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

• DBN is a fund that aims to improve the quality and accessibility of telecommunications services in India. 
• It was established by the government of India as an alternative for the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). 

Working of BharatNet

• Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) changed into included in 2012 for the execution of the project.
• In 2016, the Telecom Commission accepted to implement the task in 3 phases:
  • Phase I: Focused on laying optical fiber cables to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats by making use of existing infrastructure. 
  • Phase II: Expanded the insurance to an extra 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats the use of optical fiber, radio, and satellite technology. 
  • Phase III: Aims at future-proofing the community through integrating 5G technologies, increasing bandwidth capability, and making sure robust last-mile connectivity. This section is ongoing, with a focus on improving accessibility and reliability.

Impact of BharatNet

• Digital Inclusion: The venture has connected far flung villages to high-speed net, allowing access to e-governance services, on-line education, and telemedicine.
  • Initiatives like the Digital India application thrive on BharatNet’s infrastructure.
• Economic Opportunities: With internet access, rural communities can take part in digital trade, access monetary services, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. 
• Education and Healthcare: BharatNet has enabled digital classrooms and telehealth services, bridging the aid hole in rural regions. 
• Empowering Local Governance: Gram Panchayats use BharatNet to put in force e-governance tasks, enhancing transparency, performance, and citizen engagement in public services.

Conclusion

• BharatNet holds the promise of remodeling rural India right into a digitally empowered society. It is a lifeline for millions of rural Indians aspiring to connect with opportunities past their instantaneous environment. 
• With robust execution and sustained efforts, BharatNet will hold to bridge the digital divide and empower each nook of India with the transformative power of the net.

Source: The PIB

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Internet Connectivity in the remotest corner of the country is critical for making the Digital India Project inclusive. Discuss the utility of Optical fibres in the light of the present statement.

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