The Union Cabinet approved on 25.10.2011, the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project for provision of high-speed broadband connectivity through optical fiber cable in all the Gram Panchayat (GPs) of the country on non-discriminatory basis. Subsequently, the NOFN project has been renamed as BharatNet. The infrastructure created under BharatNet project is a national asset.

For expediting the implementation of the project, a modified strategy to implement BharatNet was approved by Cabinet on 19.07.2017, which provides an optimal mix of media (OFC/Radio/Satellite) to connect Gram Panchayats; laying of fresh fibre from Block to GPs, and setting up of last mile architecture at all GPs.

Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), set up by the Government of India under the Administrative Ministry of Communication & IT, Department of Telecommunications for the establishment, management and operation of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN). BBNL has been incorporated on 25-02-2012 as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) / Company under the Companies Act.

To carry on the business of establishment, management and operation of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) which has been envisaged by the Government of India to provide high speed broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats.

Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) has been merged with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The merger aims to expedite the rollout of the BharatNet network across rural India.

The Union Cabinet on 04.08.2023 approved the Amended BharatNet Program, for upgradation of existing network of BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II in ring network, creation of network in balance 47,000 GPs (approx.), Operation and Maintenance for 10 years and utilization. The connectivity to about 3.8 Lakh (aprox.) non-GP villages is proposed to be provided on demand basis from their respective GPs. BSNL has been nominated as the Project Management Agency for Amended BharatNet Program.

The BharatNet Phase-I has been implemented through GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology by using existing fibre of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) - Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), RailTel Corporation Limited (RailTel) and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and laying underground incremental fibre to bridge the connectivity gap up to the GPs.

The Cabinet approved a modified strategy for BharatNet on July 19, 2017, which integrates the implementation experience of Phase-I of the project and aligns it with the vision of Digital India. The modified strategy provides an optimal mix of media (OFC/ Radio/ satellite) to connect Gram Panchayats (GPs), each GP to be provided with up to 1 Gbps bandwidth (on wired media), laying of fresh fibre between GPs and Block, multiple implementing Models - State-led Model, Private Sector and CPSU Model, along with Last Mile connectivity in GPs through Wi-Fi or any other suitable broadband technology.

The BharatNet Phase-II implemented under following model:

• State-led model: Eight State namely Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are being implemented under this model.
• BBNL led Private Model: Two States namely Punjab and Bihar have been implemented through private sector model directly by BBNL.
• CPSU: Under this model, BSNL is executing works in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim which are at various stages of implementation.
• Satellite: The satellite component of the Phase-II is being implemented by BSNL & BBNL.

The salient features of program are:

• To upgrade ~1.64 lakh GPs (excluding 53,265 GPs in ring under State led model) & to create remaining ~47 K GPs (including Satellite GPs).
• IP-MPLS network at Block and GPS with provision of Routers with 10 Gbps downward links in Blocks and 1 Gbps downward links at GPS.
• O&M of ~2.64 lakh GPs with network uptime: 99% (KPIs based).
• BSNL to provide Internet Leased Line (ILL) Bandwidth across all 7,269 Blocks.
• Last-Mile Network to be implemented through BharatNet Udyami model.
• Minimum 25 Mbps download speed for each FTTH subscriber.
• To provide one crore fifty lakh (1.5) Crore FTTH connections across rural households/ institutions/ enterprises over a period of five (5) years.

Rollout plan (aligned with Amended BharatNet Program) is as below:

• At initial phase, Secondary Schools and PHCs in around 51,000 GPs with High Network Uptime (>=90%) will be connected with FTTH connections.
• Secondary Schools and PHCs in GPs where network uptime is 90%.
• Secondary Schools and PHCs in GPs where no network available will be connected subsequently as per constructions of BharatNet network under Amended BharatNet.

BNU is a local champion, who could be a village level entrepreneur, Internet Service Provider, Self Help Group (SHG), etc.

Under BharatNet Udyamis (BNUs) model, BharatNet Udyamis are being used for providing and maintaining last-mile connectivity from village to household. BNUs will be given a one-time financial incentive for activating new home fibre connections.

Private companies can participate by:

• Leasing bandwidth and fiber from BharatNet.
• Setting up last-mile connectivity solutions like Wi-Fi and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).

BharatNet is a crucial component of the Digital India Programme, facilitating:

• E-governance services
• Digital payments and banking access
• Online healthcare (telemedicine)
• Remote working and e-commerce opportunities
• Enables digital classrooms
• Online learning platforms and remote education by providing internet access to schools and students

FTTH stands for Fiber to the Home, and it's a type of broadband connection that delivers high-speed internet directly to a home or building using fiber-optic cables. FTTH offers faster download/upload speeds, greater reliability, and lower latency, making it ideal for activities like streaming, gaming, video calls, and running smart home devices.

The network is built in a ring shape using IP-MPLS, so if one path fails, data can take another route, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

A mobile tower, also known as a cell tower or base station, is a structure that houses the radio equipment needed for wireless communication between mobile devices (like cell phones and tablets) and a mobile network. It doesn't generate the cell signal, but it acts as a crucial relay point.

Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:

• Signal Transmission: Your mobile device sends a radio signal to the nearest mobile tower. This signal contains information about your call, text message, or data usage.
• Tower Reception: The tower's antenna receives this signal and transmits it to the mobile network's core infrastructure via fiber optic cables or microwave links.
• Network Processing: The network processes your request (e.g., connects your call, retrieves a webpage).
• Signal Return: The response is sent back to the tower via the network.
• Device Reception: The tower's antenna re-transmits the signal to your mobile device.

Essentially, the mobile tower acts as a high-powered repeater, extending the range of the network's signal and facilitating communication between devices and the network infrastructure. Multiple antennas on a single tower can handle different frequencies and network technologies (like 4G, 5G).

In the 1990s, 2G brought a major upgrade with digital voice transmission, enabling text messaging (SMS) and basic internet services through technologies like GPRS and EDGE. The early 2000s saw the rise of 3G, which introduced mobile broadband, allowing for faster internet access, video calling, and multimedia streaming, with speeds reaching up to 2 Mbps. Then came 4G in the 2010s, offering significantly faster speeds (up to 1 Gbps) and lower latency, enabling HD video streaming, online gaming, and voice over LTE (VoLTE). Finally, 5G, which started rolling out in the 2020s, represents a massive leap forward, providing ultra-fast speeds (1–10 Gbps), incredibly low latency, and the capacity to connect billions of devices, powering innovations like smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and immersive AR/VR experiences.

The DBN is implementing various schemes and projects such as BharatNet, 4G Saturation Project, Provision of Mobile Service in uncovered areas of Aspirational Districts, Mobile Services in Left Wing Extremist Areas, Mobile Services in Himalayan and Border areas, Mobile Services in Islands, Mobile Services in North Eastern Areas, Mobile Services in Meghalaya, Mobile Services in Arunachal Pradesh and 2 District of Assam etc to improve of telecom services in the country.

The implementation status of DBN schemes is available on DBN’s website (www.usof.gov.in)

The project will provide 4G mobile services in all uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision to include additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc.

The following schemes are being implemented by DBN for Aspirational Districts:

• 7,287 Aspirational District villages (Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha): Project entails provisioning of 4G based Mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages of 44 Aspirational Districts of 5 States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha.
• 502 Aspirational District villages (MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar):- A Scheme for 502 uncovered villages across 112 Aspirational District over four States (namely Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan) for provisioning of 4G based Mobile services has been finalized.  

The Mobile Connectivity in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Affected Areas Phase-I focuses on providing mobile services in areas impacted by left-wing extremism. The aim of the project is to ensure communication and security in states like- Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. This scheme involves upgrading existing 2G mobile towers under LWE Phase-I to 4G technology for better connectivity and internet services.

The Mobile Connectivity in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Affected Areas Phase-II is the continuation of Phase-I, extending mobile coverage to more remote and Left Wing Extremism-affected regions from states like- Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

The Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the Northeastern Region (CTDP-NER) aims to provide mobile services in uncovered villages and along National Highways in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

This scheme aims to provide mobile services in uncovered villages of Arunachal Pradesh and two districts of Assam (Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao), enhancing telecom infrastructure in these regions.

The Provision of 4G-based mobile services in uncovered villages and national highways of Meghalaya focuses on improving mobile connectivity across rural and highway corridors.

The 4G Mobile Services in identified uncovered villages and along the National Highways in Andaman & Nicobar Islands improves telecom connectivity in this remote union territory.

The Union Cabinet on 24.03.2023 has approved the Project for the Provision of 4G based mobile services at 1,117 locations of Border Out Posts (BOPs) of BGFs and Border Intelligence Posts (BIPs) of IB on nomination basis to BSNL.

The works includes:

• Upgradation of 17 existing 2G tower sites to 4G mobile services.
• Installation of additional 20 new mobile tower sites (including Suheli Island) for provision of 4G mobile services.
• Creation of 225Km OFC network for provision of FTTH in Lakshadweep Islands. This includes the operation and maintenance cost for 5 years with provision of services at the same QoS/ SLA for 10 year.

As on 31.03.2025 approx. 18,305 mobile towers installed under DBN.

The Intra Circle Roaming  ICR) rules, as part of the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative, allow telecom service providers (TSPs) to share infrastructure at government-funded mobile towers. This means users of different TSPs, like Jio, Airtel, and BSNL, can access 4G networks and make calls even if they are outside the coverage area of their own tower, by leveraging the infrastructure of other TSPs at DBN-funded towers.

The CTDP for Islands is a Government of India initiative to enhance telecom connectivity in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Island through:

• Submarine Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) for high-speed internet
• Bandwidth Augmentation to increase internet speed
• Expansion of 4G Mobile Services for better connectivity

The project was launched to:

• Improve communication infrastructure in remote island territories
• Provide better internet and mobile connectivity to residents, businesses, and tourists
• Support digital services such as online education, e-governance, and healthcare

DBN is implementing various projects to improve digital infrastructure in remote islands of the country including ANI and Lakshadweep Islands like CANI (Chennai Andaman Nicobar Islands) Submarine OFC Project, KLI (Kochi to Lakshadweep) Submarine OFC Projects, 4G ANI Project for uncovered villages and along NH-4, 4G Saturation Project, 4G Saturation Project, BharatNet Project, Infrastructure Projects in Lakshadweep, Satellite bandwidth augmentation etc.

Chennai is connected to Port Blair and other islands, including Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Long Island, Rangat, Little Andaman (Hutbay), Kamorta, Car Nicobar, and Great Nicobar (Campbell Bay).

The Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine OFC project connects Kavaratti and ten other islands from Lakshadweep, namely Kalpeni, Agatti, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan, and Kadmat.

The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Communications on October 01, 2022. The scheme aims to fund research and development (R&D) in rural-specific communication technologies, fostering collaboration between academia, start-ups, research institutes, and industry to enhance the telecom ecosystem in India.

TTDF plays a crucial role in:

• Bridging the digital divide by improving connectivity in underserved areas
• Encouraging indigenous development of telecom technologies to reduce reliance on imports
• Supporting startups, MSMEs, and research institutions in developing advanced telecom solutions
• Driving economic growth through technological advancements in rural area

The TTDF is aligned with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of "Jai Anusandhan" and seeks to promote indigenous telecom solutions. Key features of the scheme include:

• Grants to Indian entities to develop technologies tailored to India’s unique needs and build a telecom product ecosystem.
• Promotion of R&D in Telecommunications Technologies and Solutions.
• Commercialization of technology to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat and reduce dependence on imports.
• Enabling affordable broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas.
• Creation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
• A well-defined process for project implementation and monitoring.
• Transparent evaluation and approval criteria.
• Opening export opportunities while reducing imports.
• Contributions to International Telecom Standard bodies.

The link of TTDF guidelines is https://ttdf.usof.gov.in/assets/pdf/ttdf_guidelines.pdf may kindly be seen.

Govt. has taken several steps for expansion of telecom services and broadband in rural and remote areas through DBN funded schemes and plans to provide coverage in all parts of country in a phased manner.

All the uncovered villages cannot be covered in one project due to huge financial cost, as well as various technical studies, that need to be conducted, for different rural and remote areas.

Internet connection is a data connection that is able to support interactive services including Internet access. In India, internet connection having the capability of the minimum download speed of 2 Mbps is called Broadband connection.

Internet services are provided through wireless access e.g. 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi and wireline e.g. FTTH/ Copper cable connections and through satellite.

5% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) is being contributed by all telecom service providers towards DBN.

Under the Amended BharatNet Program approved by the Cabinet in August 2023, it has been targeted to providing 1.50 crore FTTH connections in next five years.  BharatNet Udyami (BNU) is an initiative of the Department to create local entrepreneurs at Block and GP level, who will spread the internet revolution in rural and remote areas of the country. This is an excellent business opportunity for a local person, who can also create employment and fulfill their career related dreams. Under BNU Model, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) / Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may do partnership with local entrepreneurs having ICT knowledge for proliferation of FTTH connections in the rural and remote areas through BharatNet, as per their mutually agreed revenue sharing arrangement.

As per the mandate, DBN supports universal service through promoting access to and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas. Keeping this objective in mind, new schemes are planned and are primarily inclusive and accessible to all sections of society, including marginalized communities and rural areas.

Backhaul, or exchange backhaul, is the subnetwork that connects data centres to local exchanges. These exchanges typically link to street cabinets, which link to your router by copper or fibre optic cable, delivering internet to your office or home. Backhaul is also used for mobile data access.