SVF

Budget 2020: BharatNet boost to have positive impact on OTT platforms

MUMBAI: While the media and entertainment industry is heading towards a digital future on the back of streaming services, budget 2020 seems to bolster it. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday proposed to allocate Rs 6,000 crore for the BharatNet programme in 2020-21. The boost to broadband connectivity in rural areas is making OTT platforms hopeful about uptake in online video consumption.

“Our vision is that all public institutions at the gram panchayat level such as anganwadis, health and wellness centres, government schools, PDS outlets, post offices and police stations — all will be provided digital connectivity. The fibre to the home (FTTH) connection through BharatNet will link 100,000 gram panchayats this year itself,” Sitharaman said.

ALTBalaji CEO Nachiket Pantvaidya appreciates the step to promote digital connectivity …Click here to read the full story