DBN, ANDHRA PRADESH SIGN MoC FOR FAST-TRACK BHARATNET ROLLOUT

KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 22: In a major push to strengthen rural digital infrastructure, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the expedited rollout of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the state.

The memorandum was signed at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office in Tadepalle, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, on 22 February 2026, in the presence of N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region; and Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications.

The MoC was signed by Shyamal Misra, IAS, Administrator, DBN, and Movva Tirumala Krishna Babu, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Infrastructure and Investment Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Scindia described the Amended BharatNet as a ₹1.39 lakh crore ($16.9 billion) publicly funded programme aimed at extending optical fibre connectivity and broadband access to every village in the country. He termed the initiative a major step toward democratising technology and empowering citizens through digital access.

Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar stated that the memorandum provides a structured and sustainable framework for swift implementation under the state-led model, combining financial support with accountability. He noted that the partnership would strengthen last-mile connectivity, expand 4G saturation and ensure affordable and reliable digital services for rural citizens.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the signing as a milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s digital transformation journey. He said seamless broadband connectivity would empower rural communities, enhance delivery of education and healthcare services, and position the state at the forefront of next-generation digital infrastructure.

Under the agreement, the State Government will extend full support for expedited implementation, including facilitation of Right of Way (RoW), infrastructure access and necessary coordination. Funding for the project will be provided primarily by DBN, along with contributions from the State Government as per mutually agreed arrangements.

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 ensure robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand.

In Andhra Pradesh, BharatNet Phase I covered 1,692 Gram Panchayats under the CPSU model, while Phase II covered 11,254 Gram Panchayats under the state-led model through Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL). All are service-ready.

Under the amended programme, implementation will be carried out through a Special Purpose Vehicle, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL). The total scope includes 13,426 Gram Panchayats, comprising upgradation of 1,692 Phase I Gram Panchayats to ring topology, coverage of 11,254 Phase II Gram Panchayats, and inclusion of 480 newly created Gram Panchayats. Additionally, 3,942 villages will receive connectivity on a demand basis.

The Government of India has approved financial support of ₹2,432 crore for implementation in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative is expected to facilitate over five lakh rural home fibre connections, enhance digital governance, and promote online education, digital payments, e-governance and telemedicine across rural and remote areas. The signing of the MoC reflects the shared commitment of the Union and State governments to accelerate digital inclusion, strengthen last-mile connectivity and build resilient telecommunications infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.