Internet giant Google is in talks with the IT Ministry to roll out optical fibre-based broadband services as part of the Digital India programme. Google plans to roll out a fibre network in a small area as a showcase project.

According to top officials in the IT Ministry, the discussions are at an initial stage. “We are keen to partner a company like Google in furthering the Digital India plan. Modalities have to be worked out,” the official said. One of the issues being discussed is whether Google can be allowed to do the project without having to acquire a telecom licence.

Google has launched a similar programme in the US called Google Fiber where it provides broadband internet and television to a small area. The service was first introduced in Kansas City. In February 2014, Google announced that it had chosen another 34 cities as candidates for expansion.

When contacted, Google India spokesperson said that the company continuously engages with the Centre on various programmes. The spokesperson did not comment specifically on the fibre project. However, IT Ministry officials said that some experts from Google’s US operation are expected in India to evaluate the project.

In a 2012 blog post, Google had said that Google Fiber will offer a different experience from other internet and TV providers.

“Our internet is 100 times faster. Our TV has hundreds of channels in crystal clear HD. And we’re offering quality service plans that are affordable,” Google had said while launching in Kansas.

For players like Google, internet proliferation is key if it wants to reach the next billion consumers.

However the big challenge is that telecom companies are cash strapped to quickly roll out infrastructure that supports data services. In India, for example, most of the telecom operators are struggling under huge debt and high spectrum costs.

Therefore players such as Google and Facebook have been experimenting with balloons and solar-powered drones to address the need for cost-effective connectivity. The more people are connected on the Internet the more money can be made by selling advertisement space on websites and mobile portals.

This strategy fits in very well with the Indian Government’s agenda of taking internet and digital technologies to the masses.