Digital Bharat Nidhi: Transforming Telecom Services with New Benchmarks

The Rs 80,000 crore Digital Bharat Nidhi fund will now support urban telecommunication services, focusing on affordability and security benchmarks. Previously known as USOF, the fund's scope has expanded under the Telecommunications Act 2023 to cover innovation, R&D, and sustainable technologies. The aim is to ensure equal access and promote a self-reliant telecom sector in India.

The Rs 80,000 crore Digital Bharat Nidhi will now back urban telecommunication services with added benchmarks to make them more affordable and secure, per an official statement on Monday.

Last week, the Telecommunications Act 2023 was notified, bringing the new scheme into effect.

'Projects under the Digital Bharat Nidhi must meet one or more of the specified criteria,' the statement noted, including the provision of mobile and broadband services, telecom equipment, and improved telecom security in underserved areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)