Even as the framework for BharatNet, the nationwide broadband network programme, is being worked out, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) plans to connect 90,000 villages under the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) by fiscal 2017-end .
"Still our focus is on NOFN. By the time they (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the government) decide on the principles of BharatNet, we are continuing with laying cables. We have already completed about 35,000 panchayats, and by fiscal 2017, we will complete 90,000 villages. So, our contribution to BharatNet would have already been around 35%, (before it is operationised)," Anupam Srivastava, chairman and managing director, BSNL, said.
The government is looking to connect 2.5 lakh villages through its BharatNet iniatiative, which was earlier NOFN. The earlier timeline for it was end of 2016, but due to the challenges in the NOFN's execution model the government is working on a new model in which the states and private sector will have a greater role.
Srivastava said by the end of the current fiscal, BSNL will reach 50,000 villages and another 40,000 villages would be covered in the next fiscal.
He said after the new model comes into force, BSNL will come through a competitive route.
"After BharatNet is operational, the states will be free to give it (project to lay the optical fibre cable (OFC) network) to either us or somebody else (private operators), so there we will come through competitive route," he said.