Bharti Airtel to bridge digital divide

Bharti Airtel Ltd has announced that it will partner with the Government of Gujarat in the prestigious eGRAM Connectivity Infrastructure Project. Under this first-of-its kind project in the Country, the Company will set up telecom infrastructure to connect 13,716 Village Panchayats and Common Service Centre in the state. Once connected, the Panchayat Offices / eGRAMs are expected to form a powerful socio-economic network supporting information dissemination and faciltating a e-governance initiatives in the state.

The MOU commissioning the project was signed in Ahmedabad on October 07, 2007 between Company and Panchayat, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department, Government of Gujarat in the presence of Mr. Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat and Mr. Manoj Kohli, President and CEO of the Company.

Commenting on this significant partnership, Mr. Manoj Kohli, President & CEO of the Company said, "We are delighted to partner with the Govt. of Gujarat in innovative and novel project of empowering its citizens. This partnership reiterates Airtel's endeavor to collaborate with the Government's e-governance plans and efforts to bridge the "digital divide" by providing connectivity to the rural masses. The e-enabling of the state is an important step as the country moves into the net phase of economic growth."

The Company has designed a comprehensive VSAT-based solution to provide last mile connectivity to these villages. The Company was chosen for this project owing to this unique VSAT-based last mile solution backed by a strong delivery plan to reach out to the rural masses. The project roll-out is expected to take place in a fast-track mode with completion slated for March 2008. The project also assumes significance for the Company as it clearly puts it in a leadership position in the VSAT space.

The project linking 13,716 Village Panchayats and Common Service Centres located in the remote corner of the state will ensure high quality and cost-effective video, voice and data services in the areas of agriculture, e-governance, health, education etc. at Village Panchayats. The connectivity will also facilitate point to point and point to multi-point video conference services, VOIP services and intra & Internet services from these village panchayats and Common Service Centres.

The Company has been consistently focusing on enhancing telecom penetration in rural areas of the country to bring a true telecom revolution. The Company has been constantly innovating to utilise technology to the fullest for the benefit of the rural populace and this project is another significant step in this direction