The government's connectivity initiative, the BharatNet project is expected to complete in 2025. For its phase 3, HFCL-RVNL-Aerial Telecom Solutions Private Limited, a consortium has been declared as the lowest bidder by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The bids are valued at Rs 6,925 crore to provide the middle-mile network in Uttar Pradesh (UP) East and West. Note that this is specifically for the Phase 3 of the BharatNet project.
In addition to this, the consortium will be awarded 10 years of O&M order at an annual rate of 5.5% per annum of the capex for the first five years, and at 6.5% per annum for the subsequent five years, worth Rs 4,155 crores. This will happen after commissioning the first ring of network.
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Along with this, HFCL has also won another order from BSNL for the BharatNet project phase-3 in the Punjab circle after emerging as the lowest bidder for Rs 1,244 crores. HFCL will also be expected to secure 10 years of O&M orders valued at around Rs 746 crore. The annual interest rate on this will again be 5.5% per annum for the first five years, and 6.5% for the next five years.
Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director of HFCL, said, "Our proven track record in executing strategically critical projects, strengthens our standing as trusted partner of the Government of India. HFCL is well placed with a diverse product line that includes routers, optical fiber cables, fiber connectivity solutions, transport solutions, power management solutions etc., to address the needs of the BharatNet Phase III program. As a trusted BSNL partner, we look forward to continued collaborations and contributing significantly to the success of BharatNet Phase-III program."
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With the BharatNet project, the Indian government wants to bring high-speed broadband connectivity in remote villages and gram-panchayats across the country.
