The Cabinet may soon decide on the second phase of the BharatNet (erstwhile National Optical Fibre Network) to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to 1.50 lakh gram panchayats (GPs) in the country. As part of the first phase, the government is already working on connecting one-lakh GPs.

Launched in 2013, BharatNet is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and executed by Bharat Broadband Network Lt (BBNL) through three Central public sector units — BSNL, Power Grid and RailTel.

Sources close to the development told BusinessLine that there would be optimal mix of optical fibre cable (OFC) including underground and aerial, radio and satellite to connect the GPs. They said more States and private players would be associated in implementing the project.

“The draft note on the second phase is being worked out and it would soon (most likely by mid-July) go to the Cabinet for approval. It would include strengthening of special purpose vehicle (SPV) as well as the monitoring mechanism,” a government official said.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had a review meeting last week, wherein it was discussed that IIT-Bombay should be engaged as a consultant to provide ‘Media Plan’ for radio and satellite broadband connectivity to GPs for phase-II and other technology issues. Apart from IIT-Bombay, it was also discussed that IIM-Ahmedabad be roped in to provide roadmap for recognition of both the SPVs — BBNL and USOF — for efficient functioning and effective project management, roadmap for process reengineering and provide architecture and process for effective evaluation of personnel.

The phase-II would also engage World Bank to provide project management framework, recommend standard and good practices for BharatNet management, and rural broadband demand assessment study and development of marketing strategy.

The review meeting suggested that 63 fresh graduate engineers would also be required to be appointed for field operations and fresh assistant managers in BBNL for capacity enhancement for implementation.

The Minister was also informed that steps have been taken towards equipment supply, which includes Gigabit Passive Optical Networks (GPON) equipment supply tender of 50,000 ONT/OLT (transmission equipment).

Sources said that the steps have been enhanced in implementing the project which include provision for horizontal connectivity to government institutions at GP level (Post Office, Police Station, Higher Secondary school, etc) being made in phase-II.

As of June 11, 1.20 lakh-km pipe have been laid as part of the phase-I, which has a deadline of March 2017 to connect one-lakh GPs.

The government’s target is to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (2.50 lakh) by December 2018, to make the country digitally strong.