Overview

BharatNet, formerly known as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), aims to connect approximately 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) across India with a scalable, future‑proof optical fibre network. The project is implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Department of Telecommunications.

Network Architecture

The network adopts a hierarchical topology: state‑level Points of Presence (PoPs) connect to district hubs, which in turn feed block‑level aggregation points. From these points, last‑mile fibre reaches each GP, where it terminates at a Network Interface Device (NID) installed in the GP office.

Services Enabled

• Broadband internet access for GP offices, enabling e‑governance applications.
• Connectivity for rural schools, primary health centres, Anganwadi centres, and post offices.
• Provision of free public Wi‑Fi hotspots at selected GP locations.
• Wholesale bandwidth leasing to licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for serving rural households and enterprises.

Progress and Coverage

As of March 2024, over 1.8 lakh GPs have been connected, with ongoing work to achieve 100% coverage. The project also supports the Digital India initiative by facilitating access to services such as tele‑medicine, e‑education, and online marketplaces.

1. BBNL/BSNL undertakes the laying of optical fibre infrastructure up to the Gram Panchayat level.
2. Upon completion, the Gram Panchayat office registers the Network Interface Device (NID) and obtains a unique connection identifier.
3. Eligible rural institutions submit a written request to the GP secretary for allocation of a broadband port, accompanied by proof of institutional status.
4. Approved ISPs apply through BBNL’s wholesale portal, providing licence documents and technical specifications for bandwidth lease.
5. After verification, BBNL provisions the requested bandwidth and activates the service; the GP or institution configures its local network equipment for end‑user access.