DoT planning to seek Union cabinet’s approval for second phase of BharatNet project

The DoT is also planning to seek the Union cabinet’s approval for the second phase of the BharatNet project. Phase II of the project aims to connect 150,000 gram panchayats by September 2018 and is likely to cost Rs 270 billion. It will reportedly involve three public sector undertakings – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Powergrid Corporation of India Limited and RailTel Corporation of India Limited – as well as state governments, private sector agencies and private telecom operators. The Telecom Commission has also already given its approval for the second phase of the project.