State-run telecom operator BSNL is seeking local partners to accelerate last-mile broadband connectivity under the government’s BharatNet project, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to all gram panchayats across India.
Under the initiative, any individual, self-help group, firm, or internet service provider can become a “BharatNet Udyami.” These partners will be responsible for installing, provisioning, and maintaining last-mile fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections. In return, they will share monthly revenue from subscribers on a 50:50 basis with BSNL, with earnings depending on the number of active connections they manage.
Ghazala Faisal, Chief General Manager of Kolkata Telephones and the West Bengal Telecom Circle, said the model is designed to strengthen rural broadband delivery by involving local stakeholders directly in service expansion and maintenance.
The BharatNet project aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity of up to 25 Mbps with 700GB monthly data to around 3,340 gram panchayats, while extending on-demand connectivity to nearly 32,000 non-gram panchayat villages. So far, 2,676 gram panchayats have already been connected, with approximately 15,000 km of optical fibre cable laid.
BSNL has also signed an MoU with the newly elected Bengal government to cover an additional 664 gram panchayats. The telecom operator plans to lay another 18,000 km of cable over the next three years and upgrade existing connected areas by March 2027.
Officials said the involvement of local partners will also address customer service concerns, including after-hours support. Interested applicants can register through the BSNL website under the “business opportunities” section, with an initial investment requirement ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh for equipment.
