In a significant move towards enhancing digital connectivity, the Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to provide high-speed internet services at an affordable rate of ₹200 per month by the end of 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the Tamil Nadu FibreNet Corporation Limited (TANFINET), aims to deliver 100 Mbps internet to households across the state.
State Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, highlighted the progress of the project during a recent assembly session. He stated that approximately 93% of the 57,500 km optical fibre network has been laid, connecting over 11,600 gram panchayats. The project targets to connect a total of 12,525 villages with 1 Gbps bandwidth. ITI Limited+8dtnext+8The New Indian Express+8
To ensure last-mile connectivity, the government plans to implement a franchisee model similar to that of cable TV operators. Local entrepreneurs and cable operators will be engaged as franchisees to deliver internet services directly to households. dtnextdtnext
The TANFINET project is part of the broader BharatNet Phase II initiative, aiming to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats in the country. In Tamil Nadu, the project is being executed through a state-led model, with TANFINET serving as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementation. Welcome to TANFINET | TANFINET+1Welcome to TANFINET | TANFINET+1
The government has also invited applications from potential franchise partners to collaborate in providing internet services, particularly in rural areas. This move is expected to create employment opportunities and bridge the digital divide between urban and rural regions. dtnext
With the infrastructure nearing completion, the state anticipates rolling out the affordable high-speed internet services to households by the end of the year. This initiative is poised to transform various sectors, including education, healthcare, and e-governance, by ensuring equitable access to digital resources across Tamil Nadu.
