(a) the details of length of optical fibre laid down so far under the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) Project and the time by which the target set thereunder will be achieved by the Government;
(b) the number of Gram Panchayats connected with broadband and WiFi hotspots so far under the said project, State/UT-wise including Karnataka;
(c) the number of Gram Panchayats in Karnataka that are not yet connected under the said project, district-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)
(a) BharatNet project (earlier known as National Optical Fiber Network) is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (approx. 2,50,000) in the country, including Karnataka. As on 26.02.2021, a total of 5,05,462 km Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) has been laid under this project in the country.
The BharatNet project was envisaged to be completed by August 2021.However, this time will now be extended as the pace of completion is affected by lockdown and restrictions on movement imposed by the various Governments due to COVID-19.
(b) The State/UT-wise details are given in Annexure-I.
(c) In Karnataka, only 4 Gram Panchayats are pending in Kalburgi (Gulbarga) District.