![](https://www.nextias.com/ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2731609current-affairs.jpg)
In News
Cabinet approves revised implementation strategy of BharatNet through Public-Private Partnership Model in 16 States with optical fibre connectivity to all inhabited villages
About
- BharatNet will now extend up to all inhabited villages beyond Gram Panchayats (GPs), in the said States.
- The revised strategy also includes creation, upgradation, operation, maintenance and utilization of BharatNet by the concessionaire who will be selected by a competitive international bidding process.
- The estimated maximum viability gap funding approved for the above PPP model is Rs. 19,041 crores.
Significance
- Enhanced Efficiency: It will leverage Private Sector efficiency for operation, maintenance, utilization and revenue generation and is expected to result in a faster rollout of BharatNet.
- Better access of e-services: Extension of reach of BharatNet to all inhabited villages with reliable, quality, high-speed broadband will enable better access to e-services offered by various Central and State Government agencies.
- Augmenting Applications: It will also enable online education, telemedicine, skill development, e-commerce and other applications of broadband.
- Increased Revenue: It is expected that revenue will be generated from different sources including the proliferation of broadband connections to individuals & institutions, sale of dark fibre, Fiberization of mobile towers, e-commerce etc.
- Benefits for Rural Areas: The proliferation of broadband in rural areas will bridge the rural-urban divide of digital access, accelerate the achievement of Digital India, increase direct and indirect employment and income generation.
- Consumer-friendly advantages:
- Use of innovative technology by the Private Sector Provider for the consumers;
- High quality of service and Service Level to consumers;
- Faster deployment of network and quick connectivity to consumers;
- Competitive tariffs for services;
- Variety of services on high-speed broadband including Over-Top (OTT) services and multi-media services as part of packages offered to consumers
- Access to all online services.
- Better quality of service,
- Enhanced consumer experience and
- leverage private sector expertise, entrepreneurship and capacities for accelerating the achievement of digital India.
- Substantial savings of public money.
More Information about Approval
- The States covered under the Cabinet approval are:
- Kerala,
- Karnataka,
- Rajasthan,
- Himachal Pradesh,
- Punjab,
- Haryana,
- Uttar Pradesh,
- Madhya Pradesh,
- West Bengal,
- Assam,
- Meghalaya,
- Manipur,
- Mizoram,
- Tripura,
- Nagaland and
- Arunachal Pradesh.
- An estimated 3.61 lakh villages including GPs will be covered.
- The Cabinet also accorded in-principle approval for extending BharatNet to cover all inhabited villages in the remaining States and UTs.
Conclusion
- The PPP Model in this critical infrastructure of Telecom is a novel initiative.
- The States where PPP Model is envisaged will facilitate the free Right of Way.
- The Private Sector Partner is also expected to bring an equity investment and raise resources towards capital expenditure and for operation and maintenance of the network.
BharatNet
|
Source: PIB
Previous article
Supreme Court Ruling One Nation One Ration Card For Migrants
Next article
Facts in News