Amaravati, May 14 (APAC Media): In a major push to strengthen rural digital connectivity, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) has signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government for the implementation of the BharatNet programme in the state.
The project will receive financial assistance of ₹2,432 crore from the Central government.
The agreement was signed between DBN, the Andhra Pradesh government, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), and Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL).
Over Five Lakh Rural Fibre Connections Planned
According to the official statement, the project is expected to facilitate more than five lakh rural home fibre connections. The initiative is aimed at improving internet access and strengthening digital infrastructure in villages and gram panchayats across the state.
Officials said the improved connectivity will support key digital services such as:
- E-governance services
- Telemedicine
- Online education
- Digital payment systems
BharatNet Expansion to Strengthen Rural Connectivity
Digital Bharat Nidhi, formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), operates under the Ministry of Communications and supports telecom connectivity projects in rural, remote and border regions across India.
Senior Officials Present During Signing Ceremony
The agreement was signed in the presence of:
- Shyamal Misra, Administrator, DBN
- Anand Khare, Director General (Telecom)
- Geetanjali Sharma, CEO, APBIL
- Papa Sudhakara Rao, Director (Enterprise Business), BSNL
Senior officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), DBN and BSNL also attended the event.
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