The Tamil Nadu FibreNet Corporation Limited (TANFINET) has started selecting District-Level Franchisee Partners (DLFPs) to deliver quality internet in rural areas under the BharatNet project. Villupuram Collector Sheikh Abdul Rahman said 95% of BharatNet is complete in Tamil Nadu's 37 districts. Now, TANFINET plans to appoint at least two franchisees per district for reliable internet at block and gram panchayat levels. Each district will split into subdivisions with 2 to 6 blocks. Applicants may apply for up to two districts only where their business is active or where they live permanently. Selected franchisees will maintain Optical Fibre Cables (OFC) and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs). They must ensure smooth service, fix faults quickly, perform regular maintenance, and follow strict service norms. Applications are accepted via the TANFINET portal at https://tanfinet.tn.gov.in. Applicants must download forms, upload documents, and pick block groups to operate in. Each block division requires a ₹25,000 refundable, interest-free security deposit. After selection, franchisees pay ₹2 lakh per block as a security deposit and receive work orders from TANFINET headquarters. The application window closes on January 14, 2026. Interested and eligible firms or individuals should apply soon, the Collector said.