Bharti Airtel enhances network connectivity in Birbhum to empower rural West Bengal with digital access
Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications service provider in India, announced a significant enhancement to its network in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. This move is part of a broader initiative to densify its network across the state and ensure high-speed connectivity to its rural population. The Birbhum district network enhancement project covers 2205 villages, directly benefiting approximately 29.46 lakh people across various tehsils, including Bolpur Sriniketan, Nalhati – I, Suri – I, Rampurhat- I, Sainthia, and Nanoor.
This expansion is a testament to Airtel’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in rural areas, facilitating seamless access to reliable mobile networks for work, study, and entertainment. In 2024 alone, Airtel has significantly increased its capital expenditure to enhance connectivity across 4G, 5G, broadband, and fiber networks in the state.
The rural enhancement project extends beyond Birbhum, covering several other districts in West Bengal, such as Alipurduar, Bankura, Barddhaman, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Darjiling, among others. Nationally, Airtel plans to augment network connectivity across 60,000 villages by 2024, with West Bengal being a key focus market. To date, the company has enhanced its network coverage across 37,661 villages in the state, aiming to step up network capacity and bring services to unconnected areas.
Additionally, Airtel has increased its fiber presence in West Bengal by deploying additional capacities to support the growing demand for high-speed data services. This strategic enhancement of fiber infrastructure is crucial for supporting the digital needs of the region, covering all key urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, including highways, tourist destinations, and trade centers.
Airtel’s network enhancement in Birbhum and across West Bengal marks a crucial step towards eliminating the digital divide in rural India. By expanding high-speed connectivity to remote areas, Airtel is not only fostering digital inclusion but also empowering communities with access to information, education, and economic opportunities. This initiative reflects the growing importance of telecommunications infrastructure in supporting India’s rural development and digital economy ambitions.