- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has signed a major agreement for the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at strengthening rural digital infrastructure and expanding broadband connectivity across the state.
- The agreement was signed between:
- Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)
- Government of Andhra Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL)
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
- Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL)
- The signing ceremony took place at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi.
₹2,432 Crore Approved for Andhra Pradesh
- The Government of India has approved financial support of ₹2,432 crore for implementing the Amended BharatNet Programme in Andhra Pradesh.
- The initiative is expected to significantly improve broadband infrastructure in rural and remote areas while strengthening digital connectivity and public service delivery.
Coverage Under the Programme
Under the Amended BharatNet Programme, Andhra Pradesh will cover:
- 13,426 Gram Panchayats
- 3,942 villages with on-demand connectivity
The project includes:
- Upgradation of 1,692 Phase-I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology for improved network resilience
- Coverage of 11,254 Phase-II Gram Panchayats
- Inclusion of 480 newly created Gram Panchayats
The programme will be implemented through Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited.
Aim of the BharatNet Expansion
The project aims to:
- Enhance rural broadband connectivity
- Improve last-mile telecom infrastructure
- Promote digital inclusion
- Strengthen delivery of citizen-centric services
The upgraded network is expected to support:
- e-Governance services
- Online education
- Telemedicine
- Digital payments
- Rural entrepreneurship and digital economy growth
More Than 5 Lakh Rural Fibre Connections Expected
- The programme is expected to facilitate over five lakh rural home fibre connections across Andhra Pradesh with support from the Government of India.
- This is expected to bridge the digital divide and provide reliable internet access in underserved regions.
About the Amended BharatNet Programme
The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Programme on August 4, 2023, with the objective of:
- Upgrading the existing BharatNet network
- Expanding broadband access to all Gram Panchayats
- Providing future-ready digital infrastructure
- Ensuring connectivity to villages on demand basis
The programme forms an important part of India’s broader Digital India mission.
About Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)
Digital Bharat Nidhi, earlier known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), functions under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
DBN supports telecom connectivity in:
- Rural and remote regions
- Border and hilly areas
- Aspirational districts
- Left Wing Extremism affected areas
- North Eastern states and islands
It plays a key role in expanding affordable and universal digital access across India.