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For the funds, the projects have to meet certain criteria, such as improving telecom service affordability and security.
The Rs 80,000 crore Digital Bharat Nidhi will now fund telecommunication services in urban areas, the central government said on Monday.
“These (the rules) include projects for the provision of telecommunication services, including mobile and broadband services and telecommunication equipment required for delivery of telecommunication services, and enhancing telecom security; improving access and affordability of telecom services… in underserved rural, remote and urban areas,” the statement said.
Marching towards building a digitally connected Bharat and an #Atmanirbhar telecom sector.@DoT_India is proud to share that the first rules of The Telecom Act 2023, ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’ are now in effect. This reflects our commitment to ensure equal access to telecom services… https://t.co/KXsEklrlrR
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) September 1, 2024
As of the end of March 2024, the government had a balance of Rs 79,638 crore in this fund. Previously known as the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), the Digital Bharat Nidhi used to focus only on rural and remote networks.
“The USOF created under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 has now been rechristened as Digital Bharat Nidhi …it now addresses new areas which may require support from Digital Bharat Nidhi in changing technological times,” the statement said.
Under the Telecommunications Act 2023, the government has expanded the fund’s scope. This expansion aims to establish relevant benchmarks, promote startups, and give an edge to indigenous technology among other objectives.
Projects funded under Digital Bharat Nidhi must operate and maintain telecommunication networks on an open and non-discriminatory basis, the press release stated.
First Published: Sep 02 2024 | 3:50 PM IST
