More than 25,000 Indian villages are set to join the digital age and enjoy the social and economic benefits of connectivity as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is to expand rural broadband access in partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks.

BSNL is to deploy Nokia Siemens Networks multi play solutions, which will allow it to deliver cost-effective high speed Internet access and Virtual Private Networks among others to its customers.

The network will also enable BSNL to provide connectivity to CSCs (Community Service Centres) and other e-governance locations.

India today has approximately 3.4 million broad connections. With the expansion of broadband density in urban and rural areas using ADSL2+ technology, BSNL plans to cover more than 25000 villages broadband enabled shortly.

“This mega broadband expansion initiative in partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks would give BSNL an edge over other broadband services providers as it would be the first to cover rural areas on such a wide scale,” said Kuldeep Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL.

“With high speed Internet service of BSNL, the rural broadband project is suitably poised to bridge digital divide and connect more than 25,000 villages in India by delivering high speed broadband services,” he added.

“With a population of 700 million, rural India, without a doubt holds the key to the future growth of the telecommunication industry and the long term economic and social development of the country,” said Michael Kuehner, Head, Sub region India, Nokia Siemens Networks. “BSNL is at the forefront of taking world class broadband services to the masses and Nokia Siemens Networks is proud to partner with it in its efforts. This fourth broadband access tender placed by BSNL shows our longstanding partnership in offering end to end solutions customised to varying requirements,” he added.