Cabinet approves Rs19,041-cr viability gap funding for PPP implementation of BharatNet in 16 states
30 Jun 2021
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The union cabinet today accorded approval for revised implementation strategy of BharatNet through public private partnership (PPP) modal in 16 states of the country. BharatNet will now extend to all inhabited villages beyond gram panchayats (GPs), in these states.
The revised strategy also includes creation, upgradation, operation, maintenance and utilisation of BharatNet by the concessionaire who will be selected by a competitive international bidding process. The estimated maximum viability gap funding approved for the above PPP model is Rs19,041 crore.
The approved implementation programme of BharatNet will cover Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. An estimated 3.61 lakh villages, including GPs, will be covered.
The cabinet also accorded in principle approval for extending BharatNet to cover all inhabited villages in the remaining states and UTs. The Department of Telecommunication will separately work out the modalities for these (remaining) states and UTs.
The PPP model will leverage private sector efficiency for operation, maintenance, utilisation and revenue generation and is expected to result in faster roll-out of BharatNet. The selected concessionaire (private sector partner) is expected to provide reliable, high speed broadband services as per pre-defined services level agreement (SLA).
Extension of reach of BharatNet to all inhabited villages with reliable, quality, high speed broadband will enable better access of e-services offered by various central and state government agencies. It will also enable online education, telemedicine, skill development, e-commerce and other applications of broadband. It is expected that revenue will be generated from different sources, including proliferation of broadband connections to individuals and institutions, sale of dark fibre, fiberisation of mobile towers, e-commerce etc.
Proliferation of broadband in rural areas will bridge the rural-urban divide of digital access and accelerate the realisation of Digital India. The penetration and proliferation of broadband is also expected to increase direct and indirect employment and income generation. The states where PPP model is envisaged will facilitate free Right of Way.
BharatNet PPP model will bring in following consumer friendly advantages:
- Use of innovative technology by the private sector provider for the consumers;
- High quality of service and service level to consumers;
- Faster deployment of network and quick connectivity to consumers;
- Competitive tariffs for services;
- Variety of services on high-speed broadband including OTT services and multi-media services as part of packages offered to consumers; and
- Access to all online services.
The private sector partner is also expected to bring an equity investment and raise resources towards capital expenditure and for operation and maintenance of the network. Hence, the PPP model for BharatNet will enhance efficiency, quality of service, consumer experience and leverage private sector expertise, entrepreneurship and capacities for accelerating achievement of digital India. This will be in addition to substantial savings of public money.
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