BHARATNET
BSNL geared up for 5G expansion as 4G network delivers desired results, says senior official
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is advancing towards the rollout of its indigenous 5G services across India. The telecom company is also expanding its existing 4G network to enhance connectivity and customer experience. To support users, BSNL has improved its chatbot Vani for better regional language interactions and efficient problem resolution. Additionally, BSNL has partnered with Saptang to implement data filtration mechanisms for improved security of customer data.
India a democracy, not colony: Kamal Haasan hits back at Elon Musk on satellite internet policy
Kamal Haasan has responded to Elon Musk's claims regarding Starlink's regulatory delays in India. He emphasized that no billionaire should influence a nation's policy, highlighting India's strategic interests. Haasan called for affordable satellite internet to bridge the digital divide in India. He criticized the hypocrisy of Western nations advocating for free markets while practicing protectionism. The Indian democracy will determine its future without the influence of outside vested interests.
'There's talk of one party, but three have got Satcom licences': Jyotiraditya Scindia
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's technology-agnostic policy towards satellite communications during a recent event. He noted that several companies, including Reliance Jio, OneWeb, and Starlink, received the necessary licenses. While SpaceX's Elon Musk called for quicker licensing for Starlink, the government emphasized its fair authorization framework. The final decision regarding spectrum pricing is forthcoming, which will impact when operators can launch services.
Why wait for Starlink when the rural internet gap is India’s to fix
Starlink has not obtained a license in India yet continues to push for service expansion. The reported costs for Starlink services are significantly higher than existing internet options for Indian consumers. Concerns arise regarding the potential misuse of Starlink equipment by insurgents in regions of conflict. Additionally, control over user data remains a contentious issue, with calls for stronger local regulation.
TCIL pays Rs 43.86 crore dividend to government for FY26; profit after tax at Rs 146 crore
Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd has paid a dividend of Rs 43.86 crore to the Government of India. This payment follows an operating revenue of Rs 3,335 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 146 crore. Over five years, the company's revenue has significantly increased from Rs 1,596 crore in FY 2021-22 to Rs 3,442 crore in FY 2025-26.
GFGNL flouts norms, say domestic firms; BSNL flags restrictive conditions
The Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited is facing backlash over its stringent turnover requirements in the tender process. Domestic companies are voicing concerns that these limitations stifle competition. A Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited representative has cautioned against such an exclusionary clause, highlighting that these high financial benchmarks may contravene the Centre's guidelines and state policies.
GFF 2026: Scindia pitches ‘digital trinity’ of connectivity, compute and trust for AI economy
GFF 2026 Scindia: Connectivity, compute, and trust are the new digital trinity for fintech and AI. India's mobile phones and telecom networks are now financial highways and bank branches. The nation is expanding digital connectivity and infrastructure for financial inclusion and economic mobility. AI will make finance predictive, personal, and autonomous, requiring enhanced security measures. India aims to lead the world in 6G technology development and secure digital infrastructure.
Parliamentary panel flags gaps in BharatNet rollout, seeks state-wise performance audit
A parliamentary panel identified gaps in the BharatNet rural broadband program's rollout. Substantial infrastructure exists, yet operational Gram Panchayats remain below the program's goals. The committee called for a comprehensive performance audit to address implementation bottlenecks. They also requested a revised roadmap with clear accountability for full connectivity. Increased focus on Fibre-to-the-Home connections and network utilization was recommended.
Future hazy for BharatNet as Starlink, Kuiper eye rural India's connectivity
India's BharatNet project, aiming to connect rural areas with fibre broadband, faces questions about its future relevance due to the emergence of satellite communication from companies like Starlink and Kuiper. While fibre companies advocate for fibre-only solutions, others suggest a hybrid model incorporating both fibre and satellite, urging the government to consider subsidies for both technologies.
View: BharatNet crucial for achieving progress towards Digital India's goals
BharatNet's network comprises two segments: BSNL-owned trunk line, and incremental additions connecting each GP headquarters. To ensure reliability, the quality of service must be guaranteed. This necessitates strong maintenance agreements with rigorous uptime guarantees and penalties for failures. Effective service-level agreements (SLAs) will be essential to instil confidence in operators and ensure consistent network performance.
HFCL consortium to get contract worth Rs 13,000 cr for BharatNet Phase 3 project
HFCL and its partners won bids totaling Rs 13,000 crore to build optical fiber broadband networks in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab under BharatNet Phase III. HFCL secured projects in UP East and West through a consortium and independently won the Punjab circle bid. These projects aim to provide high-speed internet to unconnected villages, bridging the digital divide in India.
Department of Telecommunications pulls up CSC for 'substandard' BharatNet work
In a letter dated July 13 to CSC’s chief operating officer (COO) Abhishek Singh, the DoT and the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which funds BharatNet, asked the executive to take "remedial action" on substandard workmanship of CSC-SPV field units.
Cabinet clears additional Rs 19,041 crore for BharatNet
The approval comes within days of finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing additional funding of Rs 19,041 crore for the BharatNet project, taking the total cost to Rs 61, 109 crore.
Uttar Pradesh ‘giving a cold shoulder’ to BharatNet Project
Uttar Pradesh has been reluctant to use the BharatNet optic fibre broadband network for electronic delivery of public services.
Wi-Fi adds wing to BharatNet, data usage jumps 190% in villages
Karnataka at present has largest number of GPs where BharatNet infrastructure is used for Wi-Fi choupal project at 12,978 locations, followed by UP with 10,866 Wi-Fi choupals and MP - 7,896 choupals.
Trai backs Public Private Partnership model for BharatNet implementation
In its recommendations to the government Trai broadened the scope of the private sector company or 'concessionaire's' role in implementing BharatNet.
Recommendation on new BharatNet model by December-end: Trai
Trai expects to finalise by December-end the recommendations on new model to roll out BharatNet, which is aimed at providing broadband network across country.
Trai to submit recommendations on BharatNet by month end
Trai will submit its recommendations to the government by the month-end on implementing the national broadband project, BharatNet, with greater private sector involvement.
Trai for effective implementation of BharatNet
Trai today said it was for the effective implementation of BharatNet, for which it had floated a consultation paper whose recommendations will be available by next month.
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