Optical Fiber Network awaits cabinet nod

In order to bridge the digital divide in the country, the government initiated a scheme, National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN). Kapil Sibal, the telecom minister assured, in a recent press conference, that these schemes would be rolled out soon after the final approval from the cabinet. While, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has backed up these suggestions.

The recommendations for creation of National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) by the Telecom Commission include:

* Extending optical fiber network up to districts' head quarters and gram panchayats with an initial investment of Rs. 20,000 crore. This project is intended to be completed by the end of 2014.

* A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) would assume the responsibility for execution of the project after approval of the scheme by the cabinet. The SPV will be finally owned by the Government/ USOF. The BSNL has been entrusted with the task of undertaking the preparatory activity for project execution and establishment of the SPV.

* The proposed NOFN would enable effective and faster implementation of various mission mode e-governance projects which will amount to approximately Rs 50,000 crore initiated by Department of Information Technology to citizen in rural areas.

After the approval of these recommendations of NOFN, a High Level Committee (HLC) would steer the implementation process which will be spearheaded by Sam Pitroda, adviser to PM on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovation and Nandan Nilekani, chairman, UIDAI.