en.Wedoany.com Reported - BSNL is recruiting local partners to advance the last-mile connectivity of the BharatNet project. BharatNet is an initiative of the Indian government aimed at providing broadband services to all gram panchayats across the country. Ghazala Faisal, Chief General Manager (CGM) of Kolkata Telephones and West Bengal Telecom Circle, stated that any local individual, self-help group, company, or internet service provider can become a BharatNet Udyami (BharatNet entrepreneur), responsible for the installation, activation, and maintenance of Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, sharing user monthly revenue with BSNL on a 50:50 basis, with income depending on the number of connections served.

The project aims to provide high-speed connectivity to 3,340 gram panchayats, offering 700GB of data per month at speeds up to 25 Mbps, and extending internet access to approximately 32,000 non-gram panchayat villages based on demand. Currently, 2,676 gram panchayats have been connected, with about 15,000 kilometers of optical fiber laid. BharatNet offers three services: internet, television, and fixed-line telephony.

In May this year, BSNL signed a memorandum of understanding with the newly elected West Bengal government to expand coverage to an additional 664 gram panchayats. Faisal stated that over the past month, 450 kilometers of trenching and pipe laying have been completed, with a target to lay another 18,000 kilometers of optical fiber over the next three years, and upgrades to already connected areas will be completed by March 2027. Another official noted that previously, customers were concerned about the lack of BSNL support after 5 PM; in response, private partners will be trained to take over responsibilities during that period.

Individuals can apply to become partners by visiting the BSNL website under the "Business Opportunities" section, requiring an initial investment in equipment valued between 50,000 and 100,000 Indian rupees.