As per data provided by Telecom Service Providers and field units of Department of Telecommunications, it is estimated that out of 5,97,618 inhabited villages (as per Census 2011) in the country, 5,58,537 villages have mobile wireless broadband coverage.

In addition to this, BharatNet project is envisaged in all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages of the country to provide high speed internet/broadband. As on 28.02.2022, a total of 1,72,361 Gram Panchayats have been made service ready in the country with broadband infrastructure under BharatNet.

Monitoring of availability of Internet facility is done on the basis of number of subscribers. Availability of Internet connectivity enables public to access all kinds of online digital services including in the field of education and healthcare.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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RKJ/M