"The Cabinet has approved the modified implementation Strategy of BharatNet towards realisation of vision of digital India," the source said.
The objective of the project is to provide minimum 100 mbps broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats in the country by using an mix of underground fibre, aerial fibre, radio and satellite media.
The approval entails a total estimated expenditure of Rs 42,068 crore for the implementation of BharatNet, which will be funded from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
"The balance amount is for such essential activities not covered in the initial Bharatnet framework, which include, last mile connectivity architecture, operation and maintenance and replacement of BSNL's poor quality fibre being used in the project between Block to GP," the source added.
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"Infrastructure created under BharatNet will be shared with all categories of service providers on non-discriminatory basis. The implementation agency would also be responsible for management, operation maintenance, preferably for the life time of the project," the source added.
The modified implementation strategy of BharatNet project will enable faster implementation of various mission mode e- governance projects of central and State governments. It will facilitate electronic delivery of services to citizens of various e-governance, e-commerce, e-education, and e-health services.
Overall, the project - that seeks to create network infrastructure for broadband connectivity to all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats in the country - is being implemented in a phased manner.
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