Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP)

under construction

The Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) aims to upgrade, consolidate, and expand the BharatNet network to provide robust and reliable broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages on a demand-driven basis. It includes optical fibre connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in a ring topology and extends connectivity to approximately 3.8 lakh non-GP villages on demand. The programme features design improvements such as an IP-MPLS network with routers at blocks and GPs, 10 years of operation and maintenance support with network uptime monitoring through a Centralised Network Operations Centre (CNOC), power backup at GPs and blocks, and a Remote Fibre Monitoring System at block level. BSNL is the single Project Management Agency, providing Internet Leased Lines (ILLs) to 7,269 blocks and managing the first mile. Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) implement the middle mile optical fibre connectivity. The last mile involves FTTH connectivity to end users with Optical Network Terminals (ONTs). Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) has an agreement with BSNL for 1.5 crore FTTH connections over five years using the BharatNet Udyami (BNU) model, involving village-level entrepreneurs and other entities. Subsidies and incentives are provided for extending connectivity and maintaining last-mile infrastructure. The programme also includes training, marketing, and capacity building for BNUs, with a focus on government institutions and rural customers.