DoT aims to complete setting up of pan-India optic-fibre network by June 2016

New Delhi: The telecom department is aiming to complete setting up of a pan-India optic-fibre network by June 2016, a year ahead of the stated schedule of the project that is critical to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Digital India' initiative.

The Department of Telecommunications has sought the views of public-sector telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd whether it can complete the National Optical Fibre Network ( NOFN) project by then, according to an internal note seen by ET. According to the targets so far unveiled by the government, it was hoping to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats through broadband by 2017.

BSNL is expected to submit details of its plan to complete the project to the telecom secretary on August 29.

The Digital India initiative unveiled on August 15 seeks to deliver various social and economic services over broadband by 2019. In order to improve the digital literacy of the rural population by then, the telecom department is working out a plan to rope in private mobile service providers who can educate users, especially those in 10-35 age group, over how to access services through the mobile phone.

In a recent interview to ET, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was planning to conduct 20- and 40-hour modules to educate users under the programme.

The department is preparing a Cabinet note on linking the Aadhaar and SIM-card numbers of mobile users. It will also set up a mechanism to meet the target of providing Wi-Fi services in cities with a population of more than 1 million. Major tourist centres would also be covered under this programme.

The Digital India programme seeks to overcome barriers in delivering key government services, especially to far-flung and remote areas, through the information highway. The PM himself is expected to monitor the project, which combines a string of government schemes under one umbrella with an estimated cost of Rs 1.13 lakh crore.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.