Anil Kumar Bhargava, director, operations, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), is entrusted with the task of implementing the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project, which envisages providing connectivity to the 250,000 gram panchayats in the country. As part of this ambitious project, the government intends to lay a total of 500,000 km of optical fibre cable.

The task is huge indeed. Says Bhargava, “We have successfully carried out a pilot project for laying the fibre network in three blocks. We have appointed three PSUs, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, RailTel and Power Grid Corporation of India, to execute the project.”

BBNL has also formed technological partnerships with government organisations like C-DOT, Telecommunications Consultants India Limited and the National Informatics Centre to provide technological support for implementing the NOFN project. BBNL is committed to implementing the project by December 2013.

Commenting on the challenges involved in implementing the project, Bhargava says, “There are a lot of complexities in implementing the project. This is because of the width and scale being targeted by the NOFN, which is expected to extend broadband connectivity to each gram panchayat in the country. A number of issues come up while seeking right of way (RoW). However, we have tackled this issue by signing tripartite agreements backed by the central government in 16 states and union territories. Currently, talks are under way with the other states to seek RoW clearances.”

Bhargava is counting on his 35 years of industry experience in telecommunications, installation, operations, maintenance, software and management to tackle the challenges in implementing the NOFN project. Prior to joining BBNL, Bhargava was working as executive director, wireless services with Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), Delhi. Recalling his most memorable assignments so far, he says, “I take great pride in having rolled out 3G services for MTNL in Delhi. I also did a lot of work in upgrading and transforming the operator’s IT processes. Another exciting experience was assisting the Zimbabwe government in its digitisation process.”

According to Bhargava, going forward, the telecom sector will witness huge data uptake. Also, multiple technologies will coexist.   “The NOFN will be a game-changer as it will provide broadband connectivity to gram panchayats at 100 Mbps.”

In his free time, Bhargava enjoys playing a game of bridge. He also likes reading Hindi poetry.