The correct answer is To provide broadband services in rural and remote areas in India. • BharatNet Project is the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity program using Optical fiber. • It is implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) – a special purpose vehicle under the Telecom Ministry and is the Government of India’s ambitious rural internet connectivity program. • The Bharat Net project proposes broadband connectivity to households under village Panchayats and even to government institutions at the district level. • The first phase of the Bharat Net project will be completed in December 2017, providing internet access to 1 lakh Gram Panchayats. • So far, 83000 Gram Panchayats have been connected. • It aims to connect all of India’s households, specifically rural households through demand, affordable high-speed internet connectivity to fulfill the objectives of the Digital India program in partnership with the states and the private sector. Important Notes: • National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) was launched in October 2011 and was renamed as Bharat Net Project in 2015. • It enhanced an information superhighway through a robust middle-mile infrastructure for reaching broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats. • The Ministry of Communications has launched the National Broadband Mission that will facilitate access to broadband services across the country, especially in rural and remote areas. • The aim is to connect all the 2,50,000 Gram, rural areas in the country and provide 100 Mbps connectivity. • The entire project is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). • It was set up for improving telecom services in rural and remote areas of the country.