As many as eight firms have emerged as the lowest bidders for supplying cable for the National Optical Fibre Network project.

The eight companies are Paramount Cables India, Aksh Optic Fibre, Sterlite, Finolex, Sudarshan, HFCL, KEC and UM Cables

The Rs 2,500 crore contract has been divided into six parts due to the large size of the work. Under the terms of the contract, the lowest bidders will get 70 per cent of the order while the second lowest bidders (HFCL, KEC and UM Cables) in each part will get the balance.

Under this plan, the government intends to connect 2.5 lakh villages across the country with optical fibre cable for offering broadband services.

The National Optical Fibre project is being implemented by a newly formed entity, Bharat Broadband Networks (BBNL).

The project is estimated to cost Rs 20,000 crore.