Digital Bharat Nidhi

Digital Bharat Nidhi Latest News

Recently, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an Agreement for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in the State under the State-led model today at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi. 

About Digital Bharat Nidhi

• It was formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• It now operates under the Telecommunication Act, 2023.
• Mandate:  It has a mandate to support universal service through promoting access and delivery of telecommunication service in underserved rural, remote and urban areas.
• It is an attached office of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
• Objectives of Digital Bharat Nidhi
  • Support universal service through promoting access to and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas;
  • Support research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, and products;
  • Support pilot projects, consultancy assistance and advisory support towards provision of service under clause (a) above;
  • Support introduction of telecommunication services, technologies, and products;
• Funding: The contributions made by telecom companies towards the Digital Bharat Nidhi will first be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). 
  • The balance to the credit of the DBN is not lapsed at the end of the FY. 
  • Funds collected under the DBN will be used to support promoting access to and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas; fund research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, and products.
• Administration: Administration of DBN is managed by the Administrator appointed by the Central Government of India.
• The administrator selects “DBN implementers” through “bidding” or invitation of applications from eligible persons.

Source: PIB

‹ ›