India’s BharatNet Phase 3 initiative aims to extend subsidized high-speed broadband connectivity to 1.5 crore rural households, a significant expansion of the world's largest rural broadband network. Announced by Minister of State for Telecom, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the project involves an investment of USD 18 billion (Rs 1.4 lakh crore) to connect an additional 40,000 gram panchayats while maintaining existing infrastructure.