India’s ambitious plan to bridge the urban–rural digital divide is entering a crucial phase with BharatNet Phase 3. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to award major work orders under the programme, reinforcing the government’s commitment to delivering high-speed broadband connectivity to every corner of the country by 2028.
What Is BharatNet Phase 3?
BharatNet is one of the world’s largest rural broadband infrastructure projects, designed to connect over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and more than 6 lakh villages through optical fibre. Phase 3 represents the final and most critical stage, focusing on completing last-mile connectivity and strengthening network reliability.
Under this phase, BSNL will act as the single project management and execution authority, simplifying coordination and accelerating rollout.
BSNL to Award Key Work Orders
BSNL plans to issue advance work orders to Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) and Pratap Technocrats Private Limited (PTPL) after completing financial evaluations. These companies emerged as the lowest bidders for the remaining BharatNet Phase 3 packages.
The awarded regions include parts of the North Eastern states, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Assam, covering some of India’s most challenging and underserved geographies.
Ending the Digital Divide by 2028
According to BSNL leadership, the objective is clear: end the digital divide by 2028. Once completed, BharatNet Phase 3 will enable:
-
High-speed internet access in rural and remote areas
-
Expansion of e-governance services
-
Growth of online education and digital classrooms
-
Improved telemedicine and healthcare delivery
-
Boost to rural entrepreneurship and digital payments
This infrastructure is expected to play a key role in India’s digital economy and inclusive growth strategy.
Progress So Far
BharatNet has already made significant progress in earlier phases:
-
Over 42 lakh kilometers of optical fibre laid
-
Around 2.8 lakh village blocks made service-ready
-
Increased availability of rural Wi-Fi and FTTH services
Phase 3 builds on this foundation by introducing ring-topology networks, improved redundancy, and future-ready integration with technologies such as 5G backhaul.
Why BharatNet Phase 3 Matters
Despite rapid urban digitisation, many rural regions still face unreliable or nonexistent broadband access. BharatNet Phase 3 is not just a telecom project—it is a nation-building initiative that supports Digital India, Smart Villages, and socio-economic inclusion.
By placing BSNL at the center of execution and involving experienced infrastructure partners, the government aims to avoid delays that affected earlier phases.
Conclusion
BharatNet Phase 3 marks a decisive step toward universal digital connectivity in India. With BSNL preparing to award key contracts and a clear 2028 deadline in sight, the project has the potential to transform rural India by enabling equal access to information, services, and opportunities.
If executed on schedule, BharatNet Phase 3 could redefine how rural India connects, learns, and grows in the digital era.