BharatNet — High-Speed Internet for Rural India

What is BharatNet?

BharatNet is India's national broadband programme to connect all 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) with high-speed optical fibre broadband. Implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a government entity under the Department of Telecommunications, it is the world's largest rural broadband connectivity project.

The goal: Make internet access available in every Indian village at affordable rates.

Key Objectives and Achievements

How Villagers Benefit

Direct Benefits

1. Wi-Fi at Gram Panchayat office / CSC — free or very cheap internet access
2. e-Services — government services (Aadhaar, pensions, land records) are faster at BharatNet-connected CSCs
3. Telemedicine — rural health centres use BharatNet for eSanjeevani video consultations
4. e-Education — students can access DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and other platforms
5. Digital payment infrastructure — PoS machines and e-wallets work reliably

For Entrepreneurs

Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and entrepreneurs can purchase wholesale bandwidth from BharatNet and sell retail connections to households and shops in the village.

How to Access BharatNet Internet

Option 1 — At CSC/Gram Panchayat Office

Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Gram Panchayat office:

• Many have Wi-Fi routers broadcasting the BharatNet connection
• Ask the VLE (Village Level Entrepreneur) for Wi-Fi access
• Typically free or ₹2–5/hour

Option 2 — PM WANI Wi-Fi Hotspots

Under the PM WANI scheme, local shops near BharatNet-connected GPs set up Wi-Fi hotspots. Download a PM WANI app and connect.

Option 3 — Local ISP Home Connection

In many BharatNet-connected blocks, local ISPs have started offering home broadband connections using BharatNet infrastructure:

• Speeds: 10–100 Mbps
• Prices: ₹200–₹500/month (significantly cheaper than urban connections)

Ask at your local CSC or Gram Panchayat about available ISPs using BharatNet.

BharatNet Phases

As of 2024, over 80% of GPs are connected. Work continues to connect remaining panchayats and improve service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My village is connected to BharatNet but there is no Wi-Fi. Why?

BharatNet brings optical fibre to the GP office. The last-mile distribution (Wi-Fi/home broadband) depends on the CSC VLE, local ISPs, and PM WANI PDOs setting up the equipment. If there is no Wi-Fi in your village despite BharatNet connectivity, raise this with your GP Pradhan and CSC VLE.

2. Can I get a home broadband connection using BharatNet?

In many areas, local ISPs are using BharatNet backbone to offer home connections at ₹200–₹500/month. Check with CSC, Gram Panchayat, or local cable/internet providers about BharatNet-based home broadband in your area.

3. The BharatNet connection at our CSC is very slow. Who do I complain to?

File a complaint with BBNL at bbnl.nic.in → Contact/Grievance. Also escalate to your District Collector and the District Level Committee monitoring BharatNet in your area.

4. Is BharatNet free for villagers?

The backbone infrastructure is government-funded. Access at GP offices/CSCs is subsidised and usually very cheap (or free). Home connections via ISPs are at market rates, but significantly cheaper than urban broadband.

5. How is BharatNet different from BSNL broadband?

BSNL is a telecom company (mostly copper-based broadband in rural areas). BharatNet is optical fibre infrastructure owned by the government. BSNL is one of the ISPs using BharatNet — but any licensed ISP can use BharatNet wholesale bandwidth.

Official Links