(a) the progress in setting up the National Optic Fiber Network (NOFN) project;
(b) whether many States/UTs including Tamil Nadu have evinced interest to jointly set up the network and if so, the action taken by the Ministry in the matter; and
(c) the likely date of completion of the National Optic Fiber Network (NOFN) project in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) As on 23.07.2017, a total of 2,21,925km [(covering 1,00,299 Gram Panchayats (GPs)] Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) has been laid, and 25426 Gram Panchayats have been provided with broadband connectivity in the country.
(b) On 19.07.2017, the Government approved a modified implementation strategy for BharatNet. The remaining 1,50,000 GPs (approx.) under Phase-II are to be connected by using an optimal mix of media, i.e., aerial OFC on existing electricity poles, radio and satellite for speedier deployment, and underground OFC (as being done for Phase-I). The implementation of the project is proposed through States and States’ agencies, Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), and Private Sector agencies.
Some States/UTs, including Tamil Nadu, have evinced interest to set up the network under State model in BharatNet Phase-II. For survey and Geographic Information System(GIS) mapping of electricity poles for laying aerial cable under this phase, funds have been released to them.
(c) All the GPs in the country are targeted to be connected by March 2019.
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