♦ The Centre on 13 May 2026 approved financial support of Rs.2,432 crore for the rollout of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at expanding broadband connectivity and strengthening rural telecom infrastructure across the state. An agreement for implementation of the programme under the state-led model was signed at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Andhra Pradesh government, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL).

♦ The programme will cover 13,426 Gram Panchayats across Andhra Pradesh, including the upgradation of 1,692 Phase-I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to improve network resilience. It will also include coverage of 11,254 Phase-II Gram Panchayats and 480 newly created Gram Panchayats.

♦ In addition, 3,942 villages will receive connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile broadband access in rural and remote areas.