In a significant step towards strengthening digital infrastructure in rural Andhra Pradesh, a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications and the government of Andhra Pradesh for the expedited implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the state.
The memorandum establishes a broad framework for collaboration between DBN and the government of Andhra Pradesh to facilitate faster rollout of the ABP. Under the MoC, the state government shall extend full support for expedited implementation, including facilitation of right of way, infrastructure access, and necessary coordination support. Funding for the project is intended to be provided majorly by DBN along with contributions from the state government as per mutually agreed arrangements. The network created under the program shall be effectively utilised by the state government to maximise socio-economic impact.
Under the ABP in Andhra Pradesh, the project will be implemented through a newly created Special purpose vehicle, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited. The program will have a total scope of 13,426 gram panchayats, which includes the upgradation of 1,692 Phase I gram panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, coverage of 11,254 Phase II gram panchayats, and inclusion of 480 newly created gram panchayats. In addition, 3,942 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity.
The government of India has approved financial support of Rs 24.32 billion for implementation of the program in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative is expected to facilitate over 0.5 million rural home fibre connections with financial support from the government of India, significantly enhance digital governance, improve delivery of citizen-centric services, and promote online education, digital payments, e-governance, and telemedicine across rural and remote areas of the state.