Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has notified the draft Telecommunications (Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 under Sections 26 and 56 of the Telecommunication Act, 2023.
About Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)
- DBN has been created under the Telecommunication Act, 2023 and it will replace the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) created under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
- USOF is a pool of funds generated by a Universal Access Levy through the license fee charged on licensee of DoT @ 5% of the Adjusted Gross Revenue.
- Balance of Credit under DBN is non-lapsable at the end of financial year.
- Objectives: Promoting access to and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas, support research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, etc.
Key Highlights of the draft rules
- Funds under DBN can be allocated to implementers through -
- Bidding: To promote and support Telecommunication services for promoting access to and delivery of established telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas.
- Nomination: To promote and support Research and development of new or emerging telecommunication technologies/products/services, etc.
- Sharing of telecom network established under DBN: DBN implementer shall share and make available such telecommunication network, and telecommunication services on an open and non-discriminatory basis.
