As of May 2025, out of 6,44,131 villages in the country (as per data of Registrar General of India), 6,29,027 villages i.e. 97.65% villages are covered with mobile connectivity and out of these, 6,23,512 villages i.e. 96.80% villages have 4G mobile connectivity.

Government, through funding from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), is implementing various schemes for provision of high-speed internet/data and 4G mobile services in the rural, remote and border areas of the country. As on June 2025, 18,739 4G sites (including 1276 sites upgraded to 4G) have been commissioned under DBN funded mobile schemes, covering 26,672 villages/locations in the country.

BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) for broadband services, such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections etc. Further, the Union Cabinet has approved Amended BharatNet Program for provisioning of connectivity to all GPs in the country in ring topology including upgrading existing network and connectivity to about 3.8 Lakh non-GP villages on demand basis. As of June 2025, 2,14,325 GPs have been made service ready under BharatNet project in the country. So far, 13,01,193 Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connections have been provided under BharatNet project in the country, including the rural schools.

The Government of India, as part of the Budget 2025, has announced provision of broadband connectivity to all Government secondary schools in rural areas under BharatNet project to enhance digital infrastructure in remote areas. An advisory was issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy to all the States & UTs to enter into an MoU/ Agreement with BSNL and provide FTTH Internet connection to all the Government Schools which have computing devices. States/UTs have been advised that the Internet Charges can be met from recurring charges being released under Samagra Shiksha or can be met from any other State/UT Government funds.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2150173)