State-owned Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) has completed a pilot project offering satellite-based internet services in hilly and difficult-to-access areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
According to a senior telecom ministry official, the project is now likely to be rolled out in other states of the northeast.
About the project:
A decision on the commercial roll-out of the project and the tariffs of the packages for the customer is likely to be taken after the test project is completed in more states.
About the tariffs:
The official said, “The costs are likely to be very reasonable, keeping in mind the government’s aim of extending the reach of the internet to as many people as possible. The revenue shortfall for the implementing agencies, whether government or private, is likely to be met from the USOF (universal service obligation fund).”
USOF, which is raised from a Universal Access Levy (UAL), is applicable on all telecom licence holders. It came into effect from April 1, 2002 and mandated that all telecom service.
About BBNL:
Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) is a Special Purpose Vehicle set up under Companies Act by Government of India with an authorized capital of Rs. 1000 Cr. It has been mandated to create the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) in India.
A total of around 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats spread over 6,600 Blocks and 641 Districts are to be covered by laying incremental fiber. The timeline for this ambitious project is two years. The project cost is estimated to be about 20,000 Cr which will be funded by the USO fund.
The project BharatNet Phase-I, connecting 100,000 village councils covering 300,000 villages was completed in 2007. BharatNet Phase-II will be completed by 31 March 2023 to connect the remaining 150,000 village councils covering 325,000 villages in 16 states.
BharatNet is the largest rural broadband connectivity program in the world, which is built under the Make in India initiative with no involvement of foreign companies. It is both an enabler and a beneficiary of other key government schemes, such as Digital India, Make in India, the National e-Governance Plan, UMANG, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, the dedicated freight corridors, industrial corridors, and UDAN-RCS.
