Ministry of Communications (MoC) has recently released the data on Gram Panchayats Connected connected by Fibre Optics/Satellite link under Bhartnet. 

Total Coverage 

The Bharatnet project aims to connect all the gram panchayats, around 2.64 lakhs, in India with Optical Fibre or Satellite Link Internet. As of now, after the completion of Phase I & Phase II of the Hrat met project total of 2,14,283 Gram Panchayats (GPs) are service ready. 

Thus the project has been able to facilitate around 81% of the gram Panchayats under the mission so far to be connected through optical fibre or satellite link internet. 

State-Wise Data 

As per the data released by MoC, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of GPs connected under the Bharat Net Project which is 46,729 as against 57,691 total GPs. Further, Maharashtra gets the 2nd spot with 24,575 connected and Madhya Pradesh 3rd with 17,850 GPs connected so far under the Bharat Net Project. 

Other States with a significant number of GPs connected through Bharat Net include Andhra Pradesh (12955), Gujarat (14316 ), Punjab (12668 ), Tamil Nadu (10,295) & Telangana ( 10825). 

Recent Development 

Recently, BSNL has been awarding Tenders to different companies qualifying under the norms for the Phase 3 of Bharat Net Project. 

Read Here: Polycab Bags Over Rs 5 Cr Projects from BSNL for BharatNet, Phase 3

Internet Penetration in India 

As of 2023, Total internet penetration in India has reached 821 Million which is roughly 55%, of which 442 Million comes from Rural Areas while 378 million comes from Urban areas. Rural India surpasses Urban India in terms of internet connectivity. Additionally, in terms of gender divide, it comprises around 54% men and 46% women.  

What is BharatNet? 

BharatNet, one of the world’s largest rural telecom initiatives, is being implemented by the Government of India to provide universal broadband access across 2.5 lakh (250,000) Gram Panchayats. The project aims to empower telecom operators to deliver essential services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance, bringing digital connectivity to rural and remote areas.  

• Internet Penetration Data Source: Internet in India Report, 2023, by the Internet and Mobile Association Of India (IAMAI) and KANTAR. 
• Bharat Net Project Data: Information given by the Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha & published by PTI.