Question : BROADBAND COVERAGE

(a) the number of users of broadband wireline services and wireless cellular networks in the country, at present, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government is planning to create a policy framework for broadband service providers, permitting them to get into franchisee agreements with cable TV service providers to increase broadband penetration in rural areas of the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to increase broadband penetration especially in semi-urban and rural areas of the country?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) The number of broadband wireline subscribers and wireless subscribers in the country State-wise is as at Annexure.

(b) & (c) As per existing Broadband Policy 2004 cable TV network can be used as franchisee network of the service provider for provisioning Broadband services. However, all responsibilities for ensuring compliance of terms & conditions of the licence shall vest with the Licensee.

(d) Government is implementing National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) for providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats in the country by bridging the connectivity gap between Gram Panchayats and Blocks.

The project is being funded by Universal Service Obligations Fund at an estimated cost of Rs.20,000 Crore. The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL).

The work of implementation has been assigned to 3 Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) viz Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Railtel and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited.