Question : Penetration of High Speed Internet

(a) whether the Government has taken any measure to speed up the penetration of high speed internet connectivity in villages across the country to ensure good internet connectivity to rural students attending online classes and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to upgrade the quality of internet connectivity in the villages;

(b) the number of villages in Satara district in the State of Maharashtra which have already been provided broadband internet connectivity and the number of villages in the district in which high speed internet connectivity are yet to be provided; and

(c) whether the Government proposes to provide high speed internet services to students at concessional/ subsidized rates and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) Yes, Sir. High speed internet connectivity is provided by various Telecom Service Providers and Internet Service Providers. Further, BharatNet project implemented in a phased manner using Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) provides broadband/high speed internet connectivity to the Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country.

(b) In Satara district in the state of Maharashtra, out of 1745 Villages, High speed internet connectivity has been provided to 1423 Villages.
(c) Various Service Providers are free to come up with various tariff plans from time to time.