The Department of Telecommunications entity Digital Bharat Nidhi signed an agreement with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme. The signing at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi marked central and state collaboration to strengthen rural digital infrastructure. It marked a key milestone in advancing last?mile connectivity.

The programme will be implemented through Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited and covers 13,426 Gram Panchayats, including upgrade of 1,692 Phase I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology, coverage of 11,254 Phase II Gram Panchayats and inclusion of 480 newly created Gram Panchayats. In addition, connectivity will be provided on demand to 3,942 villages to reinforce last?mile access. The design intends to enhance network resilience and expand coverage across remote and rural areas.

The Government of India has approved financial support of Rs 24.32 billion (Rs 24.32 bn) for implementation in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative is expected to facilitate more than 0.5 million (0.5 mn) rural home fibre connections with financial assistance. Benefits are expected to include improved delivery of digital services such as e?Governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and citizen?centric services.

The signatories and senior officials emphasised that the Agreement will accelerate execution of the Programme and reflect joint commitment to a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The Union Cabinet approval of the Amended BharatNet Programme on four August 2023 provided the policy framework for upgrading and expanding the existing network to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand. The implementation plan focuses on resilience, scalability and inclusive access.

Digital Bharat Nidhi, which succeeded the Universal Service Obligation Fund, has the mandate to promote access and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas. The DBN supports schemes including BharatNet and the 4G Saturation Project as well as provision of mobile service in uncovered regions. The Agreement aims to translate policy intent into on?ground connectivity and service delivery for rural communities.