ITI Ltd, one of India's leading telecom manufacturing companies, has been chosen as the L1 bidder for the prestigious Rs 3,022 crore BharatNet Phase-3 Project by the government. The company has been awarded contracts for Package No. 8 in Himachal Pradesh and Package No. 9 in West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This marks a major milestone for ITI Ltd and its consortium as they have emerged victorious in two out of the 11 packages tendered by BSNL so far. The BharatNet project aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to all gram panchayats in the country.
Indian Telephone Industries Limited Secures Rs 3,022 Crore BharatNet Phase-3 Project
Background
Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI Ltd) is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Established in 1948, the company is a leading telecommunications manufacturer in India. ITI has been instrumental in the development and deployment of telecommunication networks in the country.
BharatNet is a flagship program of the Indian government aimed at providing high-speed broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats (village councils) in the country. Phase 3 of the project, with an estimated cost of Rs 29,430 crore, aims to connect 30,000 gram panchayats with optical fiber networks.
ITI's Bid
In a recent tender issued by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for BharatNet Phase-3, ITI Ltd emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for two packages:
This marks a significant achievement for ITI Ltd, as it has secured two out of the 11 packages tendered so far.
Significance of the Project
The BharatNet Phase-3 project is crucial for bridging the digital divide in India. By providing high-speed internet connectivity to gram panchayats, the project aims to improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for rural communities. The project is also expected to boost economic development by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the timeline for the BharatNet Phase-3 project?
The project is expected to be completed by 2026.
2. Who are the other bidders involved in the tender?
Other bidders included L&T Construction, Tata Projects, and Sterlite Technologies.
3. How does ITI Ltd's bid compare to the others?
ITI Ltd's bid was lower than the estimated cost for both packages.
4. What is ITI Ltd's track record in the telecommunications industry?
ITI Ltd has been a key player in the Indian telecommunications sector for over 70 years, with experience in manufacturing and deploying telecommunication equipment and networks.
5. What are the potential benefits of the BharatNet project for India?
The project is expected to:
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