New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) In a major push to strengthen rural digital infrastructure and expand broadband connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, the Centre on Wednesday approved financial support of Rs 2,432 crore for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the state.

The agreement was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL).

According to the government, the agreement marks a significant milestone towards expeditious implementation of the programme and reflects the shared commitment of the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government to strengthen rural digital infrastructure, improve last-mile connectivity and promote inclusive digital growth.

The Union Cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Programme on August 4, 2023, with the objective of upgrading, consolidating and expanding the existing BharatNet network to provide robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on a demand basis.

Under the programme in Andhra Pradesh, APBIL will implement the project covering a total of 13,426 Gram Panchayats. This includes upgrading 1,692 Phase-I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to improve network resilience, covering 11,254 Phase-II Gram Panchayats, and bringing 480 newly created Gram Panchayats under the network.

In addition, connectivity will be extended to 3,942 villages on a demand basis to further strengthen last-mile broadband access in rural and remote regions.

The Centre has approved financial support of Rs 2,432 crore for implementation of the programme in the state. The initiative is expected to facilitate more than five lakh rural home fibre connections with government support and significantly improve access to digital services such as e-governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and other citizen-centric services.

Officials said the agreement is expected to accelerate execution of the Amended BharatNet Programme in Andhra Pradesh and further advance the vision of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

–IANS

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