The recent inauguration of Bharat Air Fibre Services in Akola, Maharashtra has made headlines by offering wireless internet connections on demand to the residents. This service has been introduced by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as part of the Digital India initiative of the Government of India with the aim of increasing its reach to the pan-India level.
Aim of Bharat Air Fibre Services
The primary purpose of BSNL’s Bharat Air Fibre Services is to provide fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) wireless connectivity. The coverage extends to a range of 20 km from the BSNL points of presence, allowing the service to reach more remote areas.
Features of the Service
The wireless broadband connection provided through Bharat Air Fibre Services boasts a speed of 100 Mbps. BSNL also offers a variety of broadband plans in both wired and wireless segments. This high-speed broadband service is currently in high demand due to the increase in people migrating from metro cities to rural areas, influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The service has seen popularity surge due to the rise in work-from-home arrangements, e-learning, online shopping, gaming, entertainment and other activities during lockdowns. In addition to high-speed internet, BSNL is also offering unlimited free voice calling.
Mechanism Behind the Connectivity
The goal of providing high-speed broadband to residents of remote areas is achieved by using radio waves to bridge the last-mile connectivity gap. BSNL has established an extensive network of Optical Fibre that extends up to the nearest Telephone Exchange or Mobile Tower. From these points, the connectivity is delivered to subscribers wirelessly.
Benefits for Remote Customers
Individuals based in remote locations stand to reap several benefits from this service. Because of the financial support from Telecom Infrastructure Partners (TIPs), BSNL is able to offer its services at a relatively low cost. As the broadband service is wireless, there is minimal risk of local interruptions.
Furthermore, BSNL has made arrangements to partner with local entrepreneurs or unemployed youth on revenue-sharing basis. This arrangement generates employment opportunities in rural areas.
Beneficiaries stand to earn a monthly income of around one lakh, thus aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to make India self-reliant.
Implications for Rural Areas
The Bharat Air Fibre Services could be a game-changer for rural areas. With a simple integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technology, the moisture content of the soil can be monitored in real-time. This data aids in planning irrigation, thus saving water and increasing productivity.
Additionally, sensors can be attached to dairy cattle to continuously record their body temperature. This could indicate the ideal time for milk output. Ultimately, the digitalisation offered by the Bharat Air Fibre Services has the potential to revolutionise various aspects of rural life.