The allocation for the ambitious Bharat Net project is being stepped up to Rs 10,000 crore in 2017-18 and high-speed broadband on optical fibre will be available in over 1.5 lakh gram panchayats with hotspots and access to digital services at low tariffs, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday.
A 'Digi Gaon' initiative will also be launched to provide telemedicine, education and skills using digital technology, Jaitley said in his Budget speech.
Under the Bharat Net project, optical fibre has been laid in 1,55,000 kilometers. I have stepped up allocation for Bharat Net project to Rs 10,000 crore in 2017-18 and by the end of 2017-18, high speed broadband on optical fibre will be available in more than 1.5 lakh gram panchayats with hotspots and access to digital services at low tariff.Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister
The minister said the recent spectrum auctions have removed the spectrum scarcity in the country.
"This will give a major fillip to mobilising broadband and Digital India, for the benefit of people living in rural areas," he pointed out.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
