The Cabinet may be asked to decide on the second phase of the BharatNet (erstwhile National Optical Fibre Network) to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to 1.50 lakh gram panchayats (GPs) in the country. As part of the first phase, the government is already working on connecting one-lakh GPs. Launched in 2013, BharatNet is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and executed by Bharat Broadband Network Lt (BBNL) through three Central public sector units - BSNL, Power Grid, and RailTel. It's learnt that there would be an optimal mix of an optical fibre cable (OFC) network including underground and aerial, radio and satellite to connect the GPs. Sources said more States and private players would be associated with implementing the project. "The draft note on the second phase is being worked out and it would soon (most likely by mid-July) go to the Cabinet for approval. It would include strengthening of special purpose vehicle (SPV) as well as the monitoring mechanism," a government official said.