Connecting lakhs of rural households with high-speed internet, India’s BharatNet scheme is flourishing! Over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats are benefited and still counting.
BharatNet is a government of India project to provide high-speed broadband internet services to all gram panchayats (village-level local self-government institutions) in the country. The project was launched in 2011 and aims to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with high-speed broadband internet. The project is being implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a public sector unit under the Ministry of Communications. The project will connect all gram panchayats with fibre-optic cables and provide last-mile connectivity to households and institutions through various technologies such as Wi-Fi, GPON, and VSAT. BharatNet scheme is projected to significantly improve the country’s digital infrastructure and encourage rural digital inclusion.
Key Highlights Of BharatNet Scheme
| Name Of The Scheme | Bharat Net Scheme |
| Launched By | Government Of India |
| Beneficiary | Rural Citizens Of India |
| Objective | To Provide Internet Connectivity |
| Official Website | http://www.bbnl.nic.in/index.aspx |
Objective Of BharatNet Scheme 2024
- Connect all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with high-speed broadband internet
- Promote digital inclusion in rural areas and bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas
- Provide a major boost to the country’s digital infrastructure
- Enable the delivery of e-governance, e-health, e-education, and e-commerce services to rural areas
- Create employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurship in the IT and ITES sectors in rural areas
- Provide a platform for the delivery of various government services and schemes to rural areas
- Enable the rural population to access a wide range of services and information on the internet
Eligibility to Apply for BharatNet Scheme
- Must be a legal entity, such as a company, partnership firm, or proprietorship, registered in India
- Must have a valid PAN and GST number
- Must have a minimum of two years of experience in providing internet services
- Must have the necessary technical and financial capabilities to provide the service
- Must be able to provide a bank guarantee or performance bond as per the scheme guidelines
- Must comply with all regulatory requirements related to internet services in India
BharatNet Tariff
| Bandwidth (asymmetric) (Mbps) | Tariff per annum (₹) |
| Upto 10 | ₹ 700 per Mbps |
| 10 | ₹ 7000 |
| 100 | ₹ 38000 |
| 200 | ₹ 56000 |
| 300 | ₹ 74000 |
| 400 | ₹ 92000 |
| 500 | ₹ 110000 |
| 1000 | ₹ 200000 |
- Symmetric bandwidth
| Serial Number | Bandwidth (symmetric) (Mbps) | Tariff per annum (₹) |
| 1. | Upto 10 | ₹ 1000 per Mbps |
| 2. | 10 | 10000 |
| 3. | 100 | 50000 |
Benefits And Features Of BharatNet Scheme
- High-speed broadband internet access: The scheme connects all gram panchayats with high-speed broadband internet, providing a major boost to the country’s digital infrastructure and enabling the delivery of e-governance, e-health, e-education, and e-commerce services to rural areas.
- Access to government services: BharatNet enables the delivery of various government services and schemes to rural areas, including e-governance, e-health, e-education, and e-commerce.
- Digital inclusion: The scheme promotes digital inclusion in rural areas and bridges the digital divide between urban and rural areas. It empowers the rural population with the tools and resources they need to participate fully in the digital economy and access the benefits of a digital society.
- Economic development: BharatNet is expected to create employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurship in the IT and ITES sectors in rural areas. It also enables the rural population to access a wide range of services and information on the internet, which can help in improving the overall economic development of rural areas.
- Last mile connectivity: The scheme provides last-mile connectivity to households and institutions through various technologies such as Wi-Fi, GPON, and VSAT. This allows for a wider reach of the internet services to the end users.
- Public-private partnership: The scheme is implemented through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, where the government provides the infrastructure and last-mile connectivity, and private players provide internet services to the users.
- Availability of multiple service providers: The scheme enables multiple service providers to offer internet services in the same area, which can increase competition and improve the quality of service.
Required Documents
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID card, etc.)
- Proof of address (Aadhaar card, voter ID card, utility bill, etc.)
- Incorporation/registration certificate (for companies/organisations)
- PAN card (for companies/organisations)
- Bank account details (account number, IFSC code, etc.)
Contact Details
- Address:- 3rd Floor, Office Block – 1, East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi -110023
- Phone: 011-24668400
- Fax: 011-24668400
- Email:contact.bbnl@nic.in feedback.bbnl@nic.in
Why Vakilsearch?
Getting internet services to rural households is a very noble act because this will bring people closer to technology, allowing them to learn more about the world. Students will be benefited and young people will be benefited as well.
Now, we at Vakilsearch are a team of legal experts. We aim at making you understand every legal procedure. With the BharatNet scheme, our experts will tell you about the scheme, who are eligible and other benefits.
FAQs on BharatNet Scheme
What is BharatNet?
BharatNet is a Government of India initiative to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats (village councils) in the country.
What are the objectives of BharatNet?
The main objectives of BharatNet are to provide affordable and accessible broadband services to rural areas, connect all government institutions and services to the digital network, and create new opportunities for e-commerce, e-education, and e-health services.
When was BharatNet launched?
The BharatNet scheme was launched in 2011.
BharatNet scheme was launched as a part of which project?
It was made as a part of the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project.
Who is eligible to apply for BharatNet services?
BharatNet services are open to all individuals, companies, and organisations that want to provide broadband services in rural areas. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific services or packages offered.
