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Bharat Broadband Network to Set Up 14,898 Wi-Fi Hotspots in Rural India Under Contract with ITI

State-run BSNL joined hands with ITI Limited in July 2022 for the initiative

Under the Universal Service Obligation Fund, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) has inked an agreement with Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI) to set up 14,898 public Wi-Fi hotspots in remote areas of India.

Under the agreement, ITI will design, supply, install, test, commission, and maintain these Wi-Fi hotspots. The project is part of the government's Digital India initiative to provide broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas.

The Wi-Fi hotspots will be set up in Gram Panchayats (village councils) across the country. Each hotspot will provide free Wi-Fi connectivity within a radius of 100 meters. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.

Key Points About the Project:

ITI has received a work order worth Rs. 1,382.13 crore for the project.
The project will be implemented in a phased manner.
The first phase will involve the installation of 4,958 Wi-Fi hotspots.
The remaining 9,940 Wi-Fi hotspots will be installed in the second phase.

Benefits of the Project:

The project will provide broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas, which currently lack access to high-speed internet.
The Wi-Fi hotspots will enable villagers to access online education, healthcare, and other services.
The project will also boost the local economy by enabling villagers to start online businesses and access e-commerce platforms.

Conclusion:

The Bharat Broadband Network's partnership with ITI to establish 14,898 public Wi-Fi hotspots in rural India is a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and providing broadband connectivity to underserved areas. This project will not only improve access to information and services for rural communities but also contribute to the overall economic development of the country.