In response to Unstarred Question No. 2925 answered on December 17, 2025, by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development (Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar), regarding BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II, the following points were made: BharatNet is being implemented in phases to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs). The total number of GPs undertaken under BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II is 2,22,341, out of which 2,14,904 are service-ready. The reliability of the BharatNet network was low due to its predominantly linear structure. A revised implementation model has been worked out, and the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) has been approved by the Union Cabinet with the following features to upgrade the network architecture and improve reliability. These features include:
(i) Creation and Upgradation of BharatNet network in ring architecture
(ii) Operations & Maintenance of the entire network based on Service Level Agreement (SLA)
(iii) Single Project Implementation Agency (PIA) for construction and O&M of the network in a Package
(iv) Dedicated Network Operation Centre
(v) Remote Fiber Monitoring System
Key Entities Referenced
BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II: A government scheme to provide broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats.
Ministry of Communications: The government ministry responsible for matters related to communications.
Amended BharatNet Program (ABP): Revised implementation model for BharatNet to upgrade network architecture.
Gram Panchayats (GPs): Village level local self-government where BharatNet provides broadband connectivity.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2925
ANSWERED ON 17TH DECEMBER, 2025
BHARATNET PHASE-I AND PHASE-II
2925. SHRI K E PRAKASH:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of original targets assigned under BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II and the extent
to which these targets have been achieved till now; and
(b) whether it is a fact that Phase-I’s reliance on legacy BSNL fibre led to poor network quality,
frequent downtimes and difficult fault-localisation and if so, the corrective measures being adopted
to upgrade the network architecture and improve reliability?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) BharatNet is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all
Gram Panchayats (GPs). The total number of GPs undertaken under BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II
are 2,22,341 GPs, out of which 2,14,904 are Service Ready.
(b) Reliability of BharatNet network was low due do its predominantly linear structure. A revised
implementation model has been worked out and Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) has been
approved by the Union Cabinet with the following features to upgrade the network architecture and
improve reliability.
(i) Creation and Upgradation of BharatNet network in ring architecture
(ii) Operations & Maintenance of the entire network based on Service Level Agreement
(SLA)
(iii) Single Project Implementation Agency (PIA) for construction and O&M of the network
in a Package
(iv) Dedicated Network Operation Centre
(v) Remote Fiber Monitoring System
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