The National Informatics Centre ( NIC) will
carry out the Geo Information System (GIS) mapping of the existing OFC network
of the telecom operators such BSNL, Rail Tel, Power Grid, etc.
The mapping of the existing OFC will enable
to calculate the incremental length of the cable required for connecting all
the 2.5 lakh panchayats with OFC. The cost of initial phase of the NOFN scheme
is likely to be in the region of Rs 20,000 crore.
The government has approved creation of
National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) for providing broadband connectivity of
all panchayats, according to Milind Deora, the Minister of State for
Communications and Information Technology.
The plan is to extend the existing optical
fibre network initially upto panchayats by utilizing the Universal Services
Obligation Fund (USOF) and creating an institutional mechanism for management
and operation of the NOFN for ensuring non discriminatory access to all service
providers.
By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com