Networked Cityscape with Connected Icons.

Union minister of communications and development of north eastern region, has informed the Parliament that BharatNet is playing a transformative role in bridging the digital divide and expanding broadband access across rural India.

The minister said, “Over the last 11 years, India has witnessed an unprecedented expansion in mobile and broadband connectivity, driving a historic digital transformation.”

The minister highlighted that mobile subscribers have increased from 930 million in 2014 to 1.2 billion today, with mobile penetration rising from 75 per cent to 92 per cent. Internet subscribers have grown from 250 million in 2014 to over one billion, with penetration rising from 20 per cent to nearly 71.8 per cent. Broadband subscribers have also increased from 61 million to over one billion, while the average fixed broadband speed now stands at around 61.55 Mbps, he said.

BharatNet provides connectivity by laying optical fibre cable (OFC) across gram panchayats. Out of 256,000-gram panchayats in the country, nearly 214,000 have been made online under BharatNet Phases I and II, implemented at an approximate cost of Rs 420 billion.

Furthermore, the minister informed that the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, launched on April 1, 2025, has set seven key targets for 2030:

  • OFC connectivity with 95 per cent uptime has been achieved in 42,000 villages as of December 2025, with a target of 0.27 million villages by 2030.
  • Broadband connectivity to anchor institutions such as schools, anganwadis and panchayat offices has reached 68.8 per cent, with a target of 90 per cent by 2030.
  • The national average fixed broadband download speed stands at 61.55 Mbps, with a target of 100 Mbps by 2030.
  • The average right of way (ROW) application disposal time has been reduced from 455 days to 30.4 days, achieving the 2030 target ahead of schedule.
  • Fibre mapping across government public sector undertakings (PSUs) has reached 94 per cent under PM GatiShakti, NMP Platform with a target of 100 per cent by March.
  • Rural internet subscribers per 100 population stand at 47.16, with a target of 60 by 2030.
  • Use of sustainable energy in mobile towers is currently 12.38 per cent, with a target of 30 per cent by 2030.

In addition, out of 36 states and union territories, 33 have implemented the Telecommunications RoW Rules, 2024. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are among the states where compliance is pending. The national average for RoW application processing is 30.4 days. In Tamil Nadu, the average disposal time is 85 days, nearly three times the national average. “Cooperation from states in implementing RoW regulations and portals will significantly accelerate broadband expansion and ensure timely benefits to citizens,” the minister emphasised.

Further, the minister reiterated that continued centre-state collaboration will be critical in achieving the 2030 broadband targets and ensuring inclusive digital growth across rural and remote regions of the country.