Summary:

The national government has announced that the Digital Bharat Nidhi, worth $9.54 billion (Rs. 80,000 crore), will now subsidize urban telecommunications services. The initiative requires projects to improve telecom affordability and security while supporting mobile and broadband services and equipment. This effort, introduced under the Telecommunications Act 2023, aims to enhance telecom services and security in underserved rural, remote, and urban areas.

Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia stated that the new Digital Bharat Nidhi guidelines will ensure equal access to telecom services and support India's goal of achieving a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. The fund, previously known as the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), had a balance of $9.49 billion (Rs. 79,638 crore) as of March 2024. The expanded fund now addresses broader needs, reflecting technological advancements, setting benchmarks, promoting startups, and supporting indigenous technology, with projects required to operate non-discriminatory networks.

Source: IBEF 

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