`The future is female’: T-Fiber to help women SHGs become cable operators

Hyderabad: Telangana Fiber Grid Corporation (T-Fiber) is set to provide members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) the opportunity to become local cable operators across the state.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening rural digital infrastructure and fostering financial independence among women.

The initiative, announced by T-Fiber Managing Director Venu Prasad during a recent Managing Committee meeting, aligns with the Telangana government's broader mission to empower women and expand high-speed internet access in rural areas.

Financial support through Stree Nidhi

To support this move, T-Fiber will facilitate loans of up to Rs 4 lakh through the Stree Nidhi Credit Co-operative Federation, under the Department of Rural Development. The funds will help eligible SHG women or their family members in local cable operator (LCO) households to purchase essential equipment, including cables and broadband tools, required to run the services.

Interested and eligible participants are required to register on the T-Fiber portal by June 10, ensuring they meet the criteria for availing the benefits.

Opportunities for unemployed youth

In areas where no applications are received from SHG members, the opportunity will be extended to unemployed youth with diplomas or technical qualifications. This extension aims to widen the social and economic impact of the project while encouraging grassroots participation in digital service delivery.

Broadband units in every village

As part of its long-term digital outreach plan, T-Fiber is also working to establish dedicated broadband units in every village, operated and maintained by trained local personnel. So far, over 8,890 gram panchayats have been made service-ready, with the necessary infrastructure for high-speed internet already in place.

Connecting crores, bridging the divide

Once fully implemented, the project aims to connect more than four crore people across 33 districts, 589 mandals, 12,769 gram panchayats, and 93 lakh households. The initiative is expected to not only bridge the digital divide but also generate sustainable livelihood opportunities in the underserved regions of Telangana.