NOFN

National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) is an Indian government initiative aimed at delivering broadband connectivity to rural areas by deploying a national optical fibre backbone and extending last-mile access to gram panchayats. The project seeks to bridge the rural digital divide by enabling e-governance, education, healthcare, and other online services through high-speed networks.

NOFN is implemented primarily by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) on behalf of the central government, with collaboration from state governments and public or private telecom partners. The plan envisions connecting around 2.5 lakh gram panchayats across the country via a central backbone that links district and state offices, while last-mile connectivity is provided through public-private arrangements and existing service providers. The architecture emphasizes a layered approach: core backbone, distribution networks, and reach to rural settlements.

In 2015 the program was renamed BharatNet, reflecting an expanded scope and renewed emphasis on rural connectivity. The project has sought to deliver minimum bandwidth to each gram panchayat, with ambitions to scale up to higher speeds such as 100 Mbps and ultimately 1 Gbps in order to support modern digital services and applications.

Progress has been uneven, with implementation facing challenges such as procurement, land and right-of-way issues, and coordination across multiple agencies. Despite delays, substantial portions of the backbone have been established and many gram panchayats have gained access to fibre connectivity, contributing to broader digital inclusion, rural education, telemedicine, and governance initiatives in India.