BharatNet Scheme 2026: Amended BharatNet Program, FTTH Broadband & PM Ghar Tak Fibre Yojana

BharatNet Scheme 2026 is one of the world's largest rural broadband programs run by the central government. Under the Amended BharatNet Program approved in August 2023, the government is connecting gram panchayats and villages with high-speed optical fibre and offering Fibre To The Home (FTTH) broadband connections. The program is funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) fund.

This article explains the current status of BharatNet, its components including PM Ghar Tak Fibre Yojana, how to apply for an FTTH connection, and the latest progress figures for BharatNet broadband in villages.

BharatNet Scheme Current Status

BharatNet was first approved in 2011 to provide broadband connectivity to gram panchayats. The project now runs in three phases. Phase I connected 1 lakh gram panchayats and was completed in December 2017. Phase II expanded coverage to an additional 1.5 lakh gram panchayats using optical fibre, radio and satellite technology. Phase III focuses on future-proofing the network with 5G integration and higher bandwidth.

The Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), approved in August 2023, is the latest design improvement. It aims for optical fibre connectivity to 2.64 lakh gram panchayats in ring topology and fibre connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages on demand. The program includes IP-MPLS network with routers at blocks and gram panchayats, operation and maintenance for 10 years, power backup and a Remote Fibre Monitoring System. The total cost approved is ₹1,39,579 crore.

Progress of BharatNet Scheme

As of early 2026, more than 2.15 lakh gram panchayats have been connected under BharatNet Phases I and II, which is nearly 97% of the target of 2.22 lakh gram panchayats. Close to 7 lakh kilometers of optical fibre cable has been laid across the country. The program is being implemented at an approximate cost of ₹42,000 crore for the first two phases.

BharatNet is executed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle incorporated in 2012. Under the Amended BharatNet Program, BSNL has been appointed as the single Project Management Agency for operation and maintenance of the entire network. The program is funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), which replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

PM Ghar Tak Fibre Yojana under BharatNet Scheme

PM Ghar Tak Fibre Yojana is the home broadband component of BharatNet. It aims to take optical fibre directly to homes in villages so that every rural household can get high-speed internet. The scheme supports the Digital India vision of connecting villages through optical fibre network.

How to Apply for BharatNet FTTH Connection

Any rural household, government institution such as a school, hospital or panchayat office, and private enterprise located in a gram panchayat or village can apply for a BharatNet FTTH connection. The application process is fully online and takes only a few minutes.

STEP 1 - Go to the official BharatNet portal at bharatnet.dot.gov.in and click on the 'Raise a Demand' option for FTTH broadband service.

STEP 2 - Enter your mobile number and verify it with the OTP sent to your phone.

STEP 3 - Select your state, district and gram panchayat from the location list.

STEP 4 - Choose the service type, either FTTH or dark fibre, and submit your demand. Your selected service provider will contact you for installation.

Installation is free for new BharatNet FTTH connections under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme. You only pay the monthly plan charges as per your selected package. Rural plans start from around ₹259 per month, and the connection offers speeds of minimum 25 Mbps and more depending on the plan. After raising a demand, installation usually takes 3 to 10 working days depending on your village location.

Services Available under BharatNet

BharatNet offers three main services to rural areas. FTTH broadband provides home internet for education, healthcare, banking and entertainment. Dark fibre is available for big institutions and authorized service providers at a tariff of ₹3,000 per fibre per kilometer per year. Bandwidth services are priced at ₹120 per Mbps per year and are open to anyone.

With optical fibre connectivity, new avenues of income open up in villages. These include:

• Rural BPO - Digital services and call centers can be set up in villages with reliable internet.
• E-Commerce - Local sellers can reach customers online and grow their business.
• e-Education - Students can access online classes and digital learning material.
• Tele-Medicine - People can consult doctors remotely without traveling far.
• Online Banking - Digital payments and banking services reach every household.

FTTH services are now live on the Umang platform, and the BharatNet app is available on Google Play and the App Store for raising demands and tracking requests. The dark fibre leasing program is also open for telecom operators.

Official Website and Helpline

The official portal for BharatNet is bharatnet.dot.gov.in. You can raise a demand, track your application status and find service provider details on this portal. For any problem during installation or service, you can contact your chosen service provider or email support-bharatnet@gov.in.

FAQ's

Is BharatNet FTTH installation free?

Yes, installation is free for new BharatNet FTTH connections under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme. You only pay the monthly plan charges as per your selected package.

What internet speed can I get on BharatNet?

BharatNet FTTH offers speeds of minimum 25 Mbps and more. The actual speed depends on the plan you choose.

Who can apply for a BharatNet FTTH connection?

Any rural household, government institution such as a school, hospital or panchayat office, and private enterprise located in a gram panchayat or village can apply.

What is the monthly cost of BharatNet FTTH?

There are many affordable plans. Rural plans start from around ₹259 per month. You can choose the plan that fits your usage and budget.