A common wireless network to provide broadband in rural areas is required: BSNL

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has suggested establishing a common wireless network to provide broadband services in rural areas.

The company has also said that instead of multiple operators setting up a parallel network, a single network should be set up, with support from the Universal Services Obligation (USO) Fund.

Meanwhile, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is readying to launch a scheme, wherein it would extend support to operators planning to establish broadband infrastructure in rural areas. The USO Fund is expected to provide subsidies to such companies and two operators will be selected in each circle through a bidding process.

In a written communication to DoT, BSNL said, ?The cost of setting up parallel infrastructure by two operators in rural areas shall be wasting national resources. It would be better if one operator is allowed to roll out the network in rural areas and other operators may use the same network for providing services in these areas through the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model.?

BSNL’s suggestion is similar to the National Optic Fibre Network (NOFN) project being undertaken by the Government to create a pan-India wired broadband infrastructure. The Rs 200 billion NOFN will be laid by BSNL and the management will be entrusted to a Special Purpose Vehicle. All the other operators will be able to use this wired network to reach broadband services to rural areas.