BharatNet Project
This profile has been independently compiled from official gazette notifications and verified web domains. Source Authority Link: bbnl.nic.in Authority: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) • State/Region: Central Scheme (All India) • Last Audited: 03 Sep 2026
Quick AI Summary
BharatNet is the Government of India's initiative to provide high-speed optical fibre broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats, enabling digital access for rural institutions and citizens.
Detailed Summary
Overview
BharatNet, formerly known as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), aims to connect approximately 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) across India with a scalable, future‑proof optical fibre network. The project is implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Department of Telecommunications.
Network Architecture
The network adopts a hierarchical topology: state‑level Points of Presence (PoPs) connect to district hubs, which in turn feed block‑level aggregation points. From these points, last‑mile fibre reaches each GP, where it terminates at a Network Interface Device (NID) installed in the GP office.
Services Enabled
- Broadband internet access for GP offices, enabling e‑governance applications.
- Connectivity for rural schools, primary health centres, Anganwadi centres, and post offices.
- Provision of free public Wi‑Fi hotspots at selected GP locations.
- Wholesale bandwidth leasing to licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for serving rural households and enterprises.
Progress and Coverage
As of March 2024, over 1.8 lakh GPs have been connected, with ongoing work to achieve 100% coverage. The project also supports the Digital India initiative by facilitating access to services such as tele‑medicine, e‑education, and online marketplaces.
Key Benefits & Financial Assistance
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Eligibility Criteria Profile
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Application Process Guide
- BBNL/BSNL undertakes the laying of optical fibre infrastructure up to the Gram Panchayat level.
- Upon completion, the Gram Panchayat office registers the Network Interface Device (NID) and obtains a unique connection identifier.
- Eligible rural institutions submit a written request to the GP secretary for allocation of a broadband port, accompanied by proof of institutional status.
- Approved ISPs apply through BBNL’s wholesale portal, providing licence documents and technical specifications for bandwidth lease.
- After verification, BBNL provisions the requested bandwidth and activates the service; the GP or institution configures its local network equipment for end‑user access.
Common FAQs regarding this Yojana
Only Gram Panchayats, rural government institutions (schools, health centres, Anganwadis, post offices), and licensed rural ISPs are eligible. Individual households cannot apply directly; they must subscribe through an ISP that has leased bandwidth from the BharatNet network.
The optical fibre infrastructure up to the GP is funded by the Government of India. The GP bears no capital cost for the fibre link; however, recurring operational expenses for the NID and internal networking equipment are the responsibility of the GP.
ISPs with a valid Unified Licence (UL) or Internet Service Provider licence must apply through BBNL’s wholesale portal, submit required technical and legal documents, and sign a Bandwidth Lease Agreement. Upon approval, BBNL provisions the agreed capacity at the nearest PoP.
BharatNet guarantees a minimum symmetrical speed of 100 Mbps at the GP office Network Interface Device, subject to network maintenance and force‑majeure conditions.
Real‑time progress is available on the BBNL website under the ‘Project Status’ section, which provides district‑wise and block‑wise completion percentages.