Bharat Air Fibre to provide high speed internet in rural areas

To provide high speed internet service to remote and rural areas, BSNL has commissioned Bharat Air Fibre services in Doddathota and Kamila villages in Sullia taluk.

“Already 23 houses in Doddathota and 8 in Kamila are availing the services,” Principal General Manager (PGM) G R Ravi informed media persons on Friday.

Highlighting advantages, he said the newly commissioned Bharat Air Fibre will help provide faster and reliable internet services in the rural areas on par with high-speed optical fibre.

There is immense scope for digital education. Broadband connectivity in rural areas will play a crucial role. BSNL will commission Bharat Air Fibre services in Bantwal and Vittal soon, Ravi said.

The Rs 449 plan offers benefits such as 30 Mbps data speed and up to 3,300 GB data to the user. Under Rs 599 plan, the bandwidth speed of 60 mbps till 3,300 GP per month are offered, he said.

The frequent disruption in power supply in Puttur and Sullia areas had been affecting quality of services offered by the BSNL. Low voltage lead to battery discharges in tower, which in turn affected the shelf life of the batteries. The batteries of the towers will be replaced in the region shortly, which will ensure uninterrupted services to the customers, Ravi added.

There are 11,000 fibre connections in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and the target is to increase it by three times. BSNL will also launch 24X7 back up support from Mangaluru, to address the grievances related to Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH), landline and other services, he said. BSNL has partnered franchise models for providing its Bharat Air Fiber Services.

Ravi said that to improve connectivity, the backhaul systems are being upgraded in the district. Google bundled devices—Google Mini and Google Nest are offered at 72% discount to customers who had subscribed FTHH plans 777 and above.

Due to voluntary retirement schemes announced by the government, staff strength of BSNL in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts had
reduced to 235 from 870.

The retirement package saved about Rs 50 crore annually for the company, he said. BSNL is offering its buildings on rent to Central and state government departments, public sector units, and other institutions.

These properties are in prime locations. Due to drastic reduction in the strength of employees, there is surplus space available at all telephone exchanges, administrative buildings and staff quarters. Already, 200 quarters have been given for rent, he added.