BharatNet

BharatNet is a government programme to build broadband infrastructure in rural India so that villages can obtain reliable, high-speed internet connectivity. Its central objective is to connect Gram Panchayats through a broadband network that service providers can use to deliver internet and other digital services to rural users.

Core objective and coverage

BharatNet addresses the infrastructure gap that makes broadband difficult to provide in rural areas. The programme was designed to provide broadband connectivity to approximately 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, creating a foundation for extending digital services to villages.

• Its objective is to narrow the rural-urban digital divide by making broadband infrastructure available beyond commercially attractive urban markets.
• Connecting a Gram Panchayat creates a network access point for the surrounding area; it does not, by itself, mean that every household has an active internet connection.
• The infrastructure is intended to support affordable broadband access and the delivery of services needed for rural development.

How the infrastructure supports internet delivery

BharatNet primarily creates a shared broadband transport network using optical fibre. This network carries data to rural access points, while separate connections are needed to reach individual users.

• It provides non-discriminatory access to network capacity for service providers, allowing multiple providers to use the public infrastructure.
• Telecom operators, internet service providers and other eligible providers can use this capacity to offer services in rural areas.
• Last-mile connectivity, such as Wi-Fi or fibre connections from the network access point to users, is necessary to turn the backbone into usable internet access.

Contribution to inclusive growth

BharatNet supplies an enabling infrastructure layer for digital inclusion. Rural broadband can reduce the distance and transaction costs involved in accessing information, public services and markets.

• It can support financial inclusion by enabling access to digital banking, payments and other financial services.
• It can facilitate online education, telemedicine, electronic governance and access to agricultural or market information.
• Its developmental benefits depend on affordable services, reliable connectivity, electricity, suitable devices and digital literacy, not merely on laying fibre.