The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued the ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024’, marking the implementation of the first set of rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023). This was announced in Government of India Gazette notification number G.S.R. 530 (E) on August 20, 2024. Draft rules were initially published on July 4, 2024, inviting a 30-day public consultation.
Key Points of the New Rules:
- Renaming and Rebranding:
- The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), established under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, has been renamed as Digital Bharat Nidhi. This change is supported by Section 24(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2024, which adapts the fund to address contemporary technological needs.
- Administration and Oversight:
- The rules outline the powers and functions of the administrator responsible for overseeing the Digital Bharat Nidhi. The administrator will ensure the proper implementation and management of the fund.
- Funding Criteria:
- Funds from the Digital Bharat Nidhi will be allocated to projects aimed at:
- Enhancing telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas.
- Supporting underserved groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and economically and socially weaker sections.
- Improving access and affordability of telecom services.
- Introducing next-generation telecommunication technologies in rural, remote, and urban areas.
- Enhancing telecom security.
- Funds from the Digital Bharat Nidhi will be allocated to projects aimed at:
- Project Criteria:
- Projects funded must meet criteria including:
- Provision of telecommunication services (mobile, broadband) and related equipment.
- Promotion of innovation, research, and development.
- Commercialization of indigenous technologies and intellectual property.
- Establishing regulatory sandboxes and developing standards.
- Encouraging start-ups in the telecommunications sector.
- Bridging academia, research institutes, and industry for capacity building.
- Promoting sustainable and green technologies in telecommunications.
- Projects funded must meet criteria including:
- Open Access Requirement:
- Any entity receiving funding must ensure that the telecommunication network/services funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi are made available on an open and non-discriminatory basis.
Union Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, described the new rules as a reflection of the Government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to telecom services, contributing to India’s mission of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
