BSNL to execute project for 24,680 villages in remote areas
The Cabinet approves a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages at a total cost of Rs.26,316 crore including Capex and five-year Opex.
Digital inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of the Government’s ‘antyodaya’ vision for providing 4G mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across 5 states.
The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas.
The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc.
In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G, the Cabinet said on 27 July 2022.
The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund.
BSNL is already in process of deployment of the 4G technology stack on the the project, a significant step towards the Government’s vision to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas.
“This project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education among others through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas,” said the Cabinet. fiinews.com
