USO

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) – Erstwhile USOF

 

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) is a fund established by the Department of Telecommunications under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, in place of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

The Universal Service Support Policy for provision of telecom facilities in rural and remote areas of the country came into effect from 01.04.2002. The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003 passed by both the Houses of Parliament in December 2003 gave statutory status to the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). Subsequently, the Indian Telegraph Act was amended on 29.12.2006 widening the scope of DBN to provide access to various telegraph services (including mobile services, broadband connectivity and creation of infrastructure like OFC) in rural and remote areas.

 

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 services;

• Support introduction of telecommunication services, technologies, and products.

 

Major DBN projects in Uttarakhand circle

• Bharat Net, Amended Bharat Net Program & FTTH Project
• Mobile Tower Projects: -         
  • Saturation of 4G Mobile Services
  • 4G Mobile Services at BOP and BIP
  • 354 Uncovered Projects
  • 354 Uncovered Villages -LOI