BharatNet Programme: Expanding Rural Digital Connectivity
8 October 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath
BharatNet Programme: Expanding Rural Digital Connectivity
Context: On 1 October 2026, the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Department of Telecommunications signed an agreement with the Government of Maharashtra and related agencies to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the State. The Government of India approved ₹10,520 crore for the project.
1. Historical Background: BharatNet began in October 2011 as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) and was later renamed BharatNet. Its aim is to provide affordable high-speed broadband to rural India and reduce the urban-rural digital divide.
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BharatNet Programme expands rural digital connectivity in Maharashtra with ₹10,520 crore investment. Learn about optical fibre networks, last-mile connectivity and bridging India's digital divide.
Keywords
BharatNet Programmerural digital connectivityoptical fibre networkAmended BharatNet Programmering topologylast-mile connectivityDigital Indiarural broadbandFTTH connectionsdigital divide