HFCL Limited, India’s leading technology enterprise with operations in manufacturing of high-end telecom equipment, optical fiber and optical fiber cables and offering communication network solutions for telcos, defence and railway sector, announced today that HFCL-Rail Vikas Nigam Limited-Aerial Telecom Solutions Private Limited, a Consortium has been declared as the Lowest Bidders by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, for bids valued at ~₹6,925 Crores to provide a middle-mile network in Uttar Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh under the BharatNet Phase III programme of the Government of India.
Additionally, the Consortium will be awarded 10 years of O&M order at an annual rate of 5.5% of capex for 1st five years and 6.5% for the subsequent five years which will be of worth ~₹4,155 Crores, after commissioning of the first ring of network .
HFCL has also emerged as the top bidder for Punjab circle for a bid value of ~₹1244 Crores in the BharatNet phase III tenders, on standalone basis. Furthermore, HFCL is expected to secure 10 years of O&M order valued at around ~₹746 Crores with annual rates of 5.5% per annum of capex for 1st five years and 6.5% per annum of capex for next five years, after commissioning of the first ring of network.
Mr. 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.”
The BharatNet Project is a landmark initiative by the Indian Government aimed at extending high-speed broadband connectivity to rural areas across the nation. The BharatNet Phase III specifically focuses on bringing high-speed fiber-optic networks to currently unconnected gram panchayats, addressing digital connectivity gaps in underserved regions. This phase will ensure equitable broadband access across the Country, connecting GPs on an IP-MPLS network, which is essential for enabling services like e-health, e-education, and e-governance in remote and underserved areas. The BharatNet Phase III is set to link all 640,000 villages in India with high-speed internet, targeting over 250,000 gram panchayats. It aims to deliver a minimum of 100 Mbps bandwidth at each GP, bringing every GP online.
This phase is poised to greatly enhance rural broadband infrastructure, opening new opportunities for established telecom service providers and new internet service providers to expand their networks into rural India. Private sector involvement in middle-mile connectivity and local entrepreneurs in last-mile connectivity will drive local entrepreneurship, strengthening rural communities nationwide.
The Company is dedicated to executing this landmark project in close partnership with BSNL and the Government’s vision of a ‘Digital India,’ aiming to close the digital gap, especially in rural and underserved regions. Through advanced network architecture, this initiative will significantly enhance India’s capacity to expand broadband network, ensuring more efficient, widespread, and reliable high-speed broadband connectivity across the Country. This effort not only supports national connectivity goals but also empowers communities by providing essential digital infrastructure that fuels socioeconomic growth in remote areas.
HFCL is recognized for its capabilities in the telecommunications, evolving from the high-quality optical fiber cables and accessories to a comprehensive telecom portfolio including routers, power storage and management solutions, as well as system integration services. This expansion underscores HFCL’s commitment to innovation and the ‘Make in India’ initiative, driving the development of a robust and advanced telecommunications infrastructure in the Country.