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Rules have been notified by Department of Telecommunication in exercise of powers conferred by the Telecommunications Act, 2023 to operationalize the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN).
About Digital Bharat Nidhi
- DBN was established through the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for funding telecom schemes in underserved remote/rural areas at affordable prices.
- It replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) created under the erstwhile Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
- USOF was a non-lapsable pool of funds generated by a Universal Access Levy through the license fee charged on licensee of DoT @ 5% of the Adjusted Gross Revenue.
- Under Section 25 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, any sums of money recieved towards DBN shall be first credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
- This can be later credited to the DBN by Central Government (on approval by Parliament through a law).
Key Highlights of the Notified Rules
- Criteria for undertaking Schemes and Projects: To provision telecom services in underserved rural, remote, and urban areas; to introduce next-gen telecom technologies; to encourage startups; to promote sustainable and green technologies; etc.
- Sharing of telecom networks established under DBN: DBN implementer shall share and make available such network and services on an open and non-discriminatory basis.
- Process of allocation of funds under DBN
- Bidding: To promote and support Telecommunication services for promoting access to and delivery of established telecommunication services in underserved areas.
- Selection by Application: To promote and support R&D of new or emerging telecommunication technologies or products or services, through co-funding, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), etc.
