Himachal Government has started providing high-speed internet connectivity under Bharat Net project in district Lahaul and Spiti by using satellite based VSAT link.
Kolong Gram Panchayat of Lahaul Spiti district became the first Panchayat to get connected on Friday which would help the residents connected throughout the year since it is not dependent on terrestrial media (copper, optical fibre cables).A Spokesperson of the Information Technology department here on Friday said that with this facility, large parts of Lahaul and Spiti, which did not have mobile and internet access, will now able to get these connections.
He said all panchayats of Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, Pangi and Bharmour would be covered using VSAT keeping in view geographical challenges, tough terrain and extreme weather conditions of these areas.The Spokesperson said that in all 153 Gram Panchayats would be covered and at least half of them would be covered before the winter sets in this year. Almost one lakh people residing in these remote areas would be benefited. This connection would be available in Gram Panchayat and other government offices can also take it from this as well.
Since this programme is funded by the Govt of India and coordinated by department of Information and Technology of Himachal Pradesh, the dept has constantly coordinated between Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) and district administration for smooth implementation of this project in the State.