BharatNet to Expand High-Speed Broadband Connectivity Across Rural West Bengal

Kolkata, 6th July, 2026

High-speed broadband connectivity is being expanded in rural West Bengal under the BharatNet project, one of the world's largest rural telecom initiatives. Implemented through Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Government of India, broadband connectivity is being extended to 3,340 gram panchayats and around 32,000 villages in West Bengal. Over the next three years, around 18,000 km of optical fibre cable will be laid to connect 664 additional gram panchayats.
To improve last-mile connectivity, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is providing Bharat Fibre services through Bharat Net Udyamis (BNUs). Local entrepreneurs, self-help groups, gram panchayats and other eligible partners can join the initiative to provide broadband services while generating livelihood opportunities.
BSNL has also launched a Rs 259 Rural Bharat Fibre Plan for households covered under the BharatNet project. The plan offers broadband speeds of up to 25 Mbps, 700 GB of high-speed data every month, unlimited voice calling across India, free installation, free ONT/modem and free Waves OTT subscription.
The BharatNet initiative is helping bridge the digital divide by providing affordable and high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas, thereby supporting the objectives of Digital India, Skill India and Viksit Bharat 2047.
 

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