Question : RURAL WIRELINE BROADBAND

(a) the total number of broadband connections provided under the Rural Wireline Broadband Scheme to various individual users and Government institutions as against the targeted internet connections;

(b) whether Government has set a target for setting up kiosks under the scheme;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the number of kiosks set up so far, State-wise; and

(d) the action taken by the Government to achieve the set target both in position of broadband connections and setting up internet kiosks under the scheme?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) Under Rural Wireline Broadband scheme of Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has provided total 6,35,929 rural wireline broadband connections to individual users and Government institutions as on 31.10.2014 against a target of 8,88,832 connections.

(b) Yes, Madam.

(c) The circle-wise details of targets and achievement in respect of kiosks set up by BSNL as on 31.10.2014 is at Annexure-I.

(d) Action taken by the Government to achieve the set target both in position of broadband connections and setting up internet kiosks under the scheme is as follows:

(i) Awareness programme undertaken by BSNL for provision of broadband connections in rural areas

(ii) Attractive tariff packages offered by BSNL to make rural broadband connections affordable in addition to USOF approved tariff plans

(iii) Kiosks being installed through franchisees by BSNL in addition to installation of kiosks by BSNL on their own

(iv) PC bundled with rural Broadband connections being provided by BSNL under PC bundling Scheme