Sun Jan 04 17:29:26 UTC 2026: Summary:

The Tamil Nadu FibreNet Corporation Limited (TANFINET) is selecting District-Level Franchisee Partners (DLFPs) to provide high-quality internet services in rural areas of Tamil Nadu under the BharatNet project. Approximately 95% of the BharatNet project is complete. TANFINET plans to appoint at least two franchisee partners per district. Franchisee partners will be responsible for maintaining internet infrastructure and ensuring service availability. The application process is online, with a refundable security deposit required. The deadline for applications is January 14, 2026.

News Article:

Tamil Nadu Expands Rural Internet Access with BharatNet Franchisee Program

VILLUPURAM, India – January 4, 2026 – The Tamil Nadu government is taking significant strides to bridge the digital divide in its rural regions with the launch of its District-Level Franchisee Partner (DLFP) program under the BharatNet project. The Tamil Nadu FibreNet Corporation Limited (TANFINET) announced today that it is seeking partners to deliver high-quality internet services to underserved areas.

According to Villupuram Collector Sheikh Abdul Rahman, nearly 95% of the BharatNet project is already complete across 37 districts in the state. This next phase focuses on ensuring reliable connectivity at the block and gram panchayat levels. TANFINET aims to select a minimum of two DLFPs per district.

Selected franchisees will be crucial in maintaining Optical Fibre Cables (OFC) and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), guaranteeing uninterrupted service, proactively addressing faults, and adhering to strict service level agreements.

The online application portal is now open until January 14, 2026, accessible through the TANFINET website. Applicants must pay a refundable security deposit of ₹25,000 per block division. Successful applicants will be issued work orders upon remitting a security deposit of ₹2 lakh per block.

“We encourage all interested and eligible individuals and firms to apply within the specified timeframe,” stated Collector Rahman, emphasizing the government’s commitment to expanding internet access and fostering digital inclusion across Tamil Nadu.

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