In a significant win, ITI Limited, India’s pioneering telecom manufacturing company, has emerged as the leading bidder (L1) for two crucial packages of BharatNet Phase-3. With a total contract worth Rs. 3022 Crores, ITI’s consortium will establish a “Middle Mile Network” in Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This accomplishment highlights ITI’s commitment to bridging the digital divide across the country.
Expanding Connectivity Nationwide
The BharatNet Phase-3 project, spearheaded by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is a comprehensive initiative to provide high-speed broadband across rural India. Covering 16 regions in total, the project involves designing, supplying, constructing, and maintaining essential network infrastructure. ITI Limited-led consortium secured Packages 8 and 9 out of the 11 packages tendered so far.
Funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), BharatNet aims to deliver 100Mbps broadband to all Gram Panchayats and villages, ensuring equitable access to digital services across India. The project envisions connecting 640,000 rural areas, spanning villages, blocks, and local governing bodies.
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A Vision of Empowerment and Growth
Mr. Rajesh Rai, Chairman and Managing Director of ITI Limited, expressed his excitement about the project. “We are honored to lead BharatNet Phase-3 for the states of Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This project is a cornerstone for digital empowerment in India, and it is our privilege to contribute to its success.”
He added that BharatNet would open new avenues in rural India, creating jobs and promoting growth. “High-speed internet access will be transformative for rural students and help bridge the digital divide,” Mr. Rai stated.
ITI Limited’s Track Record in BharatNet Projects
ITI Limited’s experience in Optical Fiber Network (OFN) work spans multiple regions. The company has previously handled OFN installations valued at approximately Rs. 5400 Crores in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. As the Project Implementation Agency for MahaNet-I in Maharashtra and multiple projects under BharatNet Phase II in Gujarat, ITI has established itself as a major contributor to India’s connectivity infrastructure.
In addition to BharatNet, ITI Limited recently secured a Rs. 300 Crore order from Bihar Renewable Energy Development Authority (BREDA) to supply and install 100,000 solar street lights across Bihar, further extending its impact in rural infrastructure development.
