From Controversy to Connectivity: AP’s Fibernet Back in Action

Andhra Pradesh is finally witnessing a strong digital push with the Central Government sanctioning ₹2,432 crore under the Amended BharatNet project. This massive support will provide high-speed fiber internet connectivity to 13,426 village panchayats across the State. For lakhs of rural families, this means better access to online education, tele-medicine, digital payments and government services.

Earlier, AP Fibernet was started with the idea of giving affordable internet to the rural households and connecting all the remote places to the internet and digital economy of the state. However, during the tenure of YS Jagan, the project became a subject of controversy.

Instead of focusing on expansion and strengthening the network, the government treated the project as one filled with alleged irregularities. There were public statements and discussions calling it a “scam” and demanding probes. The emphasis shifted more towards investigations rather than improving on-the-ground connectivity, leaving the APFibernet office locked for some time due to this faceless investigation.

Now, under the amended BharatNet programme, the Centre has not only backed rural fiber connectivity but also strengthened it with proper funding, technical upgrades and a clearer implementation structure. With full financial support and monitoring from New Delhi, the project is expected to move faster and more smoothly.

And so, with this backing and trust, Centre has made APFibernet as implementation partner for Bharanet in the state. While the state CM itself back then lacked the same value in developing the fibernet and secure the interests of the state for better and greater good.

With BharatNet support, Andhra Pradesh is once again on track toward digital empowerment.The focus has shifted from allegations to development and that is what truly matters for the future of rural Andhra.