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HFCL Ltd, a prominent telecom gear manufacturer, has emerged as the winning bidder for the prestigious BharatNet Phase III project, securing contracts worth a staggering Rs 13,000 crore. This pivotal project aims to significantly enhance digital connectivity in underserved areas across India, focusing specifically on bringing high-speed fiber-optic networks to previously unconnected gram panchayats (GPs). HFCL, along with its consortium partners, will be responsible for deploying and maintaining the middle-mile network in Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), and Punjab, playing a vital role in bridging the digital divide.
The BharatNet Phase III initiative represents a significant step towards achieving universal broadband access in India. This ambitious project seeks to connect all 6.4 lakh villages nationwide, targeting over 250,000 gram panchayats. The overarching goal is to provide a minimum of 100 Mbps bandwidth to each GP, ensuring that every village in India has access to high-speed internet. This initiative will facilitate the adoption of digital services in remote and underserved areas, empowering communities with access to e-health, e-education, and e-governance.
HFCL, a trusted partner of BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited), has proven its capabilities in providing comprehensive telecom solutions. The company's diverse product portfolio, encompassing routers, optical fiber cables, fiber connectivity solutions, transport solutions, and power management solutions, positions it effectively to address the multifaceted requirements of the BharatNet Phase III program. The consortium led by HFCL has been awarded a 10-year operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for the middle-mile network in Uttar Pradesh, with an annual rate of 5.5% of the capital expenditure (capex) for the first five years and 6.5% for the subsequent five years. This contract is expected to generate significant revenue for HFCL and its consortium partners, solidifying their position as key players in the rapidly evolving Indian telecommunications landscape.
The success of HFCL in securing these contracts underscores the company's expertise in fiber-optic network deployment and its commitment to driving digital inclusion in India. With the implementation of BharatNet Phase III, rural communities will have access to high-speed internet, fostering economic growth, educational opportunities, and improved healthcare services. This project is a testament to the government's vision of a digitally empowered India, where every citizen can benefit from the transformative potential of technology.
Source: HFCL consortium to get contract worth Rs 13,000 crore for BharatNet Phase 3 project