Government of India has approved the setting up of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) on 25/10/2011, which was subsequently known as BharatNet, to provide connectivity to 2, 50,000 Gram Panchayats of the country, which would ensure broadband connectivity with adequate bandwidth. This is to be achieved by extending optical fibre to the Gram Panchayats. Odisha has a total of 6805 GPs. Out of these 3860 GPs spread over 181 Blocks and 18 districts are to be covered by BBNL using underground optical fibres and GPON technology as a part of Bharatnet Phase I.
The Government of Odisha shall carry out the BharatNet Phase II to cover 2945 GPs spread over 133 Blocks in 12 districts. OPTCL is the State Implementing Agency for the same. It is proposed to use aerial optical fibre and GPON technology for the Phase II project. The State NOC (Network Operations Centre) for the Phase II shall be established in OCAC. Department of E&IT is the nodal Department for this project.

Broadband is a tool for improving the lives of people living in rural areas by providing affordable and equitable access to information and knowledge. For individuals, broadband has direct impact on their day to day life style. It can contribute towards increased trade and employment revenues. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) applications such as e-Commerce, e-Banking, e-Governance, e-Education and Tele-Medicine etc. require high speed Internet connectivity. BharatNet Phase I& II will facilitate this in the state of Odisha.