The bidding for the second phase of Bharat Net project — which entails broadband connectivity for the remaining 1.5 lakh gram panchayats — is likely to be completed by October, according to an official source.

The tenders for the network infrastructure of Bharat Net are likely to be floated by September and contracts are expected to be awarded by October, the official said.

The official, who is familiar with the modalities of the Bharat Net project, said that six Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh have already submitted the detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase roll out.