Society for Andhra Pradesh Network (SAPNET) is a major communication infrastructure initiative of the Deparment of IT & C, Government of Andhra Pradesh. It is mandated to run 5 television channels (under the name MANA TV) and one data channel. The primary purpose of the channels is to provide Distance Learning, Agriculture Extension, Rural development, Telemedicine and E-governance.

    The educational programmes of SAPNET take the best teaching tlent from premier institutions and extend it to the entire State. A large number of first generation learners at the institutions benefit from the programmes. SAPNET programmes also provide an interactive forum for regular exchange of information and an avenue for updating of knowledge and skills. On 8th july 2000 a MOU was signed with ISRO. Uplinking of the signal for experimental transmission commenced from MCF, Hassan in Karnataka on 1st Nov 2000. The earth station(Hub) was installed and commissioned on the campus of Dr. B.R Ambedkar Open University on 1st April 2002. On 22nd March 2003, Society for Andhra Pradesh Network (SAPNET) was registered under the Societies Registration Act. SAPNET puts in place a communication backbone which at once connects 582 schools(including social welfare, tribal welfare and BC welfare schools), 163 government degree colleges, 567 junior colleges, 9 medical colleges, 64 polytechnics, 24 Dr. B R Ambedker Open University Centers, 330 MPDOs and 5 Police training Centers. The network expanding in a need-based, phased manner.

   Eventually, SAPNET will connect all state-run educational institutions, district administrative officers, police training centers and agriculture extension services, self-help groups of women and rural development functionaries. It provides an instantaneous, interactive forum for understanding policies and helps implement them at grass roots.