**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary question regarding 4G network coverage in remote tribal areas of the Dahod district, the Ministry of Communications provides the following information as of July 23, 2025:
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is deploying 4G network infrastructure nationwide, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, utilizing indigenously developed equipment. As of June 30, 2025, 95,537 4G sites have been installed, with 90,035 currently operational. The 4G Saturation Project aims to enhance network infrastructure in uncovered rural and remote areas, including the Dahod district in Gujarat. Currently, 18 tribal villages in Dahod have BSNL 4G service.
Two villages in Dahod, Bhimpura and Punakota, lack 4G coverage. Punakota is slated to receive coverage under the ongoing 4G Saturation Project.
The BharatNet project, funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (formerly USOF), is providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats across the country in a phased manner. Phase II is being implemented under a State-Led Model in eight states including Gujarat. The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet program on August 4, 2023, with an outlay of Rs. 1.39 Lakh Crores, to extend fiber connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand. This includes provisions for 1.5 Crore high-speed FTTH broadband connections in rural areas. BSNL is the Project Management Agency for this scheme. Digital India initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA), National Knowledge Network (NKN), and BHASHINI are also being implemented to improve digital literacy in rural and tribal areas.
Key Entities Referenced
BSNL: A telecommunications company, involved in launching 4G networks and executing the 4G Saturation Project.
Dahod District of Gujarat: A district in Gujarat, India, where the 4G network coverage is being discussed. Specific villages within the district are mentioned.
4G Saturation Project: A project aimed at enhancing BSNL's network infrastructure and service quality in uncovered rural and remote areas.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: An initiative of the Government of India, promoting self-reliance, in line with which BSNL has placed purchase orders for indigenously developed 4G sites.
BharatNet project: A project, formerly known as National Optical Fiber Network, funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (erstwhile USOF), aiming to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats across the country.
Digital Bharat Nidhi: Funding source for BharatNet project.
Union Cabinet: The decision-making body of the Government of India that approved the Amended BharatNet program.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA): A Digital India initiative to improve digital literacy in rural and tribal areas.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 500
ANSWERED ON 23RD JULY, 2025
4G NETWORK IN REMOTE TRIBAL AREAS OF DAHOD DISTRICT
†500. SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether BSNL has launched 4G network in remote tribal areas of Dahod district, if so, the
details thereof;
(b) whether a list of villages not covered by mobile network in Dahod has been prepared;
(c) if so, whether any action plan has been prepared in this regard, the details thereof; and
(d) whether any scheme has been announced for providing better internet facilities to students
of Dahod for online education purpose and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, BSNL has placed purchase order for indigenously
developed one lakh 4G sites for pan India deployment. Supply of 4G equipment has started from
September 2023 and as on 30.06.2025, total 95,537 numbers 4G sites have been installed, out of
which 90,035 numbers are ON-Air. BSNL is also executing 4G Saturation Project to enhance its
network infrastructure and service quality in uncovered rural and remote areas including Dahod
District of Gujarat. Presently, 18 tribal villages of Dahod District are covered with BSNL 4G
Services.
(b) & (c) Two villages namely Bhimpura and Punakota of Dahod District do not have 4G
coverage. Punakota village is planned under ongoing 4G Saturation Project for 4G coverage.
(d) BharatNet project (earlier known as National Optical Fiber Network) funded by Digital
Bharat Nidhi (erstwhile USOF) is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband
connectivity to all Gram Panchayats across the country. BharatNet Phase-II in eight States
(Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Taminnadu and
Telangana) is being implemented under State Led Model.
Further, Amended BharatNet program has been approved by the Union Cabinet on
04.08.2023 with an outlay of Rs. 1.39 Lakh Crores to extend fiber to all Gram Panchayats and
villages on demand basis, including provisions for 1.5 Crores high speed FTTH broadband
connections in rural areas. BSNL is the Project Management Agency for this scheme.
The schemes/projects being implemented under Digital India initiatives to improve the digital
literacy in rural and tribal areas includes Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan
(PMGDISHA), National Knowledge Network (NKN) and BHASHINI etc.
*****
1