AP, Centre Sign MoC for Amended BharatNet Rollout
AP Government, Centre Sign MoC to Accelerate Amended BharatNet Rollout
Agreement Signed to Strengthen Rural Digital Infrastructure
In a step aimed at expanding digital connectivity across rural Andhra Pradesh, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) has been signed for the expedited implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the state. The agreement involves Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications, the Government of India, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The signing marks a coordinated effort to enhance broadband infrastructure and improve digital access in rural regions.
MoC Signed in the Presence of National and State Leadership
The Memorandum was signed on 22.02.2026 at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office in Tadepalle, Guntur district. The event was attended by N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region; and Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development.
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The agreement was formally executed by Shyamal Misra, IAS, Administrator of Digital Bharat Nidhi, and Movva Tirumala Krishna Babu, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Infrastructure and Investment Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Programme Aims to Expand Broadband to Every Village
The Amended BharatNet Programme is a publicly funded national initiative of the Government of India with an outlay of $16.9 billion, equivalent to ₹139,000 crore. The programme seeks to extend optical fibre connectivity and broadband services to every village across the country.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia highlighted the scale of the programme, stating that the initiative is intended to deliver broadband infrastructure nationwide and expand access to digital services.
Focus on Last-Mile Connectivity and Rural Digital Access
Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar stated that the MoC establishes a structured framework for faster implementation under a state-led model. The approach integrates financial support with accountability and focuses on strengthening last-mile connectivity, expanding 4G saturation, and ensuring affordable and dependable digital services for rural citizens.
State Emphasises Digital Governance and Inclusive Growth
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described the agreement as a milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s digital transformation. He said improved broadband infrastructure would support technology-driven governance, enhance access to education and healthcare, and strengthen rural inclusion.
The initiative is expected to reinforce Andhra Pradesh’s digital infrastructure framework while supporting broader national objectives of expanding broadband connectivity and digital service delivery across rural India.
