Gandhinagar: Rural Gujarat is set to receive a major digital infrastructure boost as the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Department of Telecommunications, Gujarat Government, Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have introduced new provisions in their existing agreement for strengthening broadband connectivity across the state.
The updated agreement will enable the implementation of the revised BharatNet programme in Gujarat, with the state government taking responsibility for executing the upgraded initiative.
The project is expected to significantly improve rural internet access, strengthen last-mile connectivity, and promote inclusive digital development across villages.
Gujarat to Implement Upgraded BharatNet Programme
The revised agreement has been signed among:
- Digital Bharat Nidhi (Department of Telecommunications)
- Government of Gujarat
- Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL)
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
The initiative aims to upgrade and expand the existing BharatNet infrastructure, ensuring reliable and future-ready broadband connectivity for villages and Gram Panchayats across Gujarat.
₹5,629 Crore Approved for Gujarat Broadband Expansion
The Government of India has already approved financial assistance of ₹5,629 crore for implementing the revised BharatNet programme in Gujarat.
Through this investment, the government expects fibre broadband connections to reach more than five lakh rural households across the state.
The project will help expand access to digital services and create stronger connectivity infrastructure in rural and remote areas.
BharatNet Network to Cover 14,287 Gram Panchayats
Under the revised BharatNet programme, Gujarat will implement the project through Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL).
The initiative will cover a total of 14,287 Gram Panchayats across the state.
The major components of the project include:
- Upgrading existing Phase-I and Phase-II BharatNet infrastructure
- Strengthening 14,264 existing Gram Panchayats
- Converting network architecture from linear topology to ring topology
- Adding connectivity for 23 newly created Gram Panchayats
The upgrade will improve network reliability, reduce service disruptions, and make broadband infrastructure more efficient.
Last-Mile Connectivity to Reach 3,895 Villages
A major focus of the programme is improving last-mile broadband access.
Under the demand-based connectivity model, 3,895 villages in Gujarat will receive broadband connectivity.
This expansion will help rural residents access essential digital services, including:
- Online education
- Telemedicine
- E-governance services
- Digital payments
- Online citizen services
- Employment and skill development platforms
Digital Infrastructure to Support Rural Development
The strengthened broadband network is expected to play a key role in accelerating digital transformation in Gujarat’s villages.
High-speed internet connectivity will enable better access to government services and improve opportunities in education, healthcare, business, and financial inclusion.
The initiative is also expected to support rural entrepreneurship by enabling digital businesses and online services in villages.
What Is Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)?
The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) was earlier known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
It was established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003, and later renamed as Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
DBN functions under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
Its key objective is to promote universal access to telecom services by supporting connectivity projects in:
- Rural areas
- Remote regions
- Unserved locations
- Underserved urban areas
The fund supports projects aimed at expanding digital connectivity and ensuring that telecom services reach every section of society.
BharatNet Programme Aims to Build Future-Ready Digital Connectivity
The Union Cabinet approved the revised BharatNet programme on August 4, 2023, with the objective of upgrading, strengthening, and expanding the existing BharatNet network.
The programme aims to provide:
- Reliable broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats
- Future-ready digital infrastructure
- Demand-based connectivity for villages
- Improved rural internet services
The Gujarat implementation model through GFGNL is expected to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in digital connectivity.
DBN Supporting Multiple Digital Connectivity Projects
To achieve its objectives, Digital Bharat Nidhi is supporting several major projects, including:
- BharatNet Programme
- 4G Saturation Project
These initiatives focus on expanding mobile and broadband connectivity in difficult and remote areas, including:
- Aspirational districts
- Left-wing extremism affected regions
- Himalayan areas
- Border regions
- Island territories
- Northeastern states
The upgraded BharatNet programme represents a major step towards creating a digitally connected Gujarat. With significant financial support from the Government of India and implementation through GFGNL, the initiative will improve broadband access in rural areas, strengthen digital services, and provide new opportunities for education, healthcare, governance, and economic growth.
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