Telecom Commission to meet on Nov 29

Will discuss proposal to overlay government user network over National Optical Fibre Network

The Telecom Commission, the highest decision making body in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is likely meet again on November 29 to discuss issues including the proposal to overlay government user network over the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) so that it could ensure broadband connectivity at gram panchyat level.

Last month, the DoT had sought Telecom Commission’s approval on the matter. It has proposed to establish a framework for the delivery of high speed broadband or closed user group connectivity from district headquarters and two other locations in the gram panchayats for government services that can be delivered to public along with a community access to broadband.

The initial capital expenditure of about Rs 3,750 crore of the project will be provided from the Universal service obligation fund (USOF), and the operating expenses of Rs 1,860 crore (excluding taxes) will be funded by Ministry of Rural Development, according to the DoT proposal.

Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) will implement the project, and the Ministry of Rural development will be the anchor institution. The tenure of the project is envisaged as 10 years to ensure viability.

The Telecom Commission will also review the status the national fibre optic network and the status of mobile connectivity in the Left Wing Extremism affected areas. It will review progress of implementation of the decisions the commission has taken since January 2010 onwards.