Andhra Pradesh Signs Agreement to Implement the Amended BharatNet Programme
Andhra Pradesh signed an agreement to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme with ₹2,432 crore central support, covering 13,426 Gram Panchayats and over 5 lakh rural home fibre connections.
Andhra Pradesh has signed an agreement to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme. The agreement was signed with the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications, BSNL, APBIL, and APSFL.
The central government approved financial support of 2,432 crore rupees for the project. The initiative aims to strengthen digital infrastructure by covering 13,426 Gram Panchayats and providing on-demand connectivity to thousands of villages. It also plans to enable more than 5 lakh rural home fibre connections.
BharatNet is a flagship programme meant to expand broadband connectivity to rural India, helping villages get fast internet for services such as education, health, and banking. The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), earlier known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), funds major telecom and digital inclusion projects across the country.
For exam aspirants, this is important for understanding India's rural digital connectivity push. Key terms to remember are BharatNet, Digital Bharat Nidhi (formerly USOF), and Gram Panchayat-level connectivity.
Key Points to Remember
- Andhra Pradesh signed an agreement to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme
- Partners: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications, BSNL, APBIL, APSFL
- Central financial support: ₹2,432 crore
- Covers 13,426 Gram Panchayats; targets 5 lakh+ rural home fibre connections
- DBN (formerly USOF) funds telecom and digital inclusion projects nationwide
Exam Relevance
Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Economy — Digital India & Schemes), SSC CGL (General Awareness), State PCS (Andhra Pradesh).
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