On December 3rd, 2025, the Ministry of Communications addressed questions regarding digital connectivity in rural and urban areas.
The government has taken steps to expand telecom services and broadband, including initiatives funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) like BharatNet and the 4G Saturation project. BSNL is supporting the rollout of a 4G network using indigenous technology.
342 Gram Panchayats in Sonipat Lok Sabha Constituency have been provided with high-speed internet connectivity under BharatNet.
196 Mobile BTS (81 urban, 115 rural) of indigenous 4G Technology, upgradable to 5G, have been installed by BSNL in Sonipat Lok Sabha Constituency. 97 GPs in Sonipat District are currently connected with 4G technology, which is 5G upgradable, by BSNL.
Key Entities Referenced
BharatNet Project: A scheme aimed at providing high-speed internet connectivity to Gram Panchayats.
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): Funds major schemes in rural areas for telecom services and broadband expansion.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL): Telecom company rolling out 4G network.
Sonipat: Lok Sabha Constituency and District where Gram Panchayats are being connected.
Ministry of Communications: Primary government body responsible for the policy.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 656
ANSWERED ON 3RD DECEMBER, 2025
DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS
†656. SHRI SATPAL BRAHAMCHARI:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) whether any major schemes have been launched or any major initiatives taken by the
Government in recent years to strengthen digital connectivity in rural and urban areas and if so, the
details thereof;
(b) whether all Gram Panchayats in Sonipat Lok Sabha Constituency have been provided with
high-speed internet connectivity under the "BharatNet Project" and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is running special schemes in this area for expansion of 5G service
and mobile network coverage for installing mobile towers; and
(d) if so, the number of Gram Panchayats connected under the said schemes so far in Sonipat
district and the new development works proposed along with the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) Government has taken several steps for expansion of telecom services and broadband through
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) funded major schemes in rural areas such as BharatNet for providing
broadband connectivity in Gram Panchayats (GPs) and 4G Saturation project for providing access to
4G mobile services in uncovered villages. Government is also supporting roll out of 4G network
across the country by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) through indigenous 4G stack.
(b) 342 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in Sonipat Lok Sabha Constituency have been provided with
high-speed internet connectivity under BharatNet.
(c) & (d) 196 Mobile BTS (urban - 81, rural - 115) of indigenous 4G Technology, which is
further upgradable to 5G, have been installed by BSNL in Sonipat Lok Sabha Constituency. 97 GPs
are connected with 4G Technology presently (5G Upgradable) by BSNL in Sonipat District.
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