National Broadband Mission: Tamil Nadu Pioneers with Over 10,000 Gram Panchayats Connected
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Synopsis
The National Broadband Mission (NBM) has significantly reduced the digital divide in rural India, with Tamil Nadu leading the charge, connecting over 10,000 Gram Panchayats. NBM 2.0 aims to further enhance digital access and global competitiveness.
Key Takeaways
- NBM has bridged the digital gap in rural India.
- Tamil Nadu connects over 10,000 Gram Panchayats.
- NBM 2.0 starts on April 1, enhancing digital transformation.
- Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal streamlines OFC permissions.
- Amended Bharat Net project aims for broadband access in all GPs.
New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) The National Broadband Mission (NBM) has played a significant role in closing the digital gap in rural regions across the country, with Tamil Nadu taking the lead in broadband deployment, having over 10,000 Gram Panchayats now ready for service, as stated by the government.
The National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 will commence on April 1, building upon the accomplishments and lessons learned from NBM 1.0. Its objective is to elevate India into a new phase of digital transformation and enhance global competitiveness, according to Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a written statement to the Rajya Sabha.
To enhance broadband access in rural areas, the government introduced the Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal on May 14, 2022, facilitating streamlined Right of Way (RoW) permissions for the installation of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) and telecom towers.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, along with the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules 2024, effective January 1, 2025, will further simplify RoW procedures.
Moreover, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is committed to providing stable broadband access in rural areas and closing the digital gap with support from the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the minister noted.
Key initiatives comprise the Amended Bharat Net project, which aims to deliver broadband to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages (upon request).
Additionally, schemes are available to enhance high-speed internet and mobile services (including 4G) in remote locations, such as the North-East, Islands, LWE-affected regions, Aspirational Districts, and border villages.
Submarine optical fiber cables have been installed between Chennai and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kochi and Lakshadweep for improved internet connectivity, as informed by the minister.
In Tamil Nadu's state-led model, the total cost of awarded work amounts to Rs 1,544.44 crore (excluding taxes), with Rs 1,093.74 crore utilized as of February 28.
As of February 24, 10,298 GPs out of 12,524 have been made service-ready, and 53,511 route kilometres of Optical Fiber Cable have been laid under the BharatNet Project in Tamil Nadu, as per the minister's statement.
