Latest news with #DigitalBharatNidhi
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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Telcos raise concern over Digital Bharat Nidhi fund diversion to R&D
India's telecom operators have raised objection to the government's move to divert a portion of the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) towards research and development (R&D) activities, arguing that it deviates from the fund's original mandate and lack of transparency in allocation. In a letter addressed to Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal, as seen by The Economic Times, operators flagged concerns over using DBN resources, which are funded primarily through levies on telecom and internet service providers, for R&D initiatives undertaken by public sector entities and academic institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). What is the Digital Bharat Nidhi? The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund, is a government-administered pool aimed at financing telecom infrastructure in underserved rural and remote areas. The fund is maintained through a 5 per cent levy on adjusted gross revenue (AGR) from telecom and internet service providers (ISPs). As of December 2023, the DBN corpus stood at ₹86,356 crore. OTT disproportionately gain from R&D: Telcos Telecom operators have raised concerns over the government's move to allocate 5 per cent of the DBN corpus to research and development (R&D). The argument of the telecom companies is that the contributor base remains limited to telcos and ISPs, while over-the-top (OTT) platforms, key beneficiaries of broadband expansion, are excluded from making contributions. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing the major telecom players, argued that while R&D is valuable, it falls outside the scope of DBN's original objectives. They highlighted that private telecom firms are being required to support activities that do not necessarily yield direct benefits to them. Telecom cos criticise lack of transparency Operators also criticised the non-transparent allocation process, pointing out that most of the DBN's R&D funds have gone to a handful of institutions like the IITs without open or competitive bidding. They stressed that these premier institutions make up a small fraction of India's engineering education ecosystem and already receive significant public funding, reportedly around ₹8,000 crore in FY22. In their letter, telcos urged the government to ensure equitable access to R&D funding across a broader range of qualified institutions, rather than focusing funding on a select few. They also demanded that intellectual property generated through DBN-funded research be shared transparently with contributing telecom firms and not retained as proprietary assets by the research bodies. They also called for the selection of implementing agencies to be governed strictly under the DBN Rules, 2024, and insisted on industry representation in the decision-making process.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Strong domestic innovation boosting India's 6G ambition: Neeraj Mittal
The Centre is working on multiple initiatives to accelerate homegrown innovation in a bid to facilitate India's contribution to next generation (6G) technology. In an interaction with ETTelecom's Muntazir Abbas, Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and Chairman, Digital Communications Commission (DCC) talks on sectoral health, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) levy, technology development fund, 6G preparedness, satellite communications (satcom), terahertz spectrum band, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) 4G network. Edited excerpts. Is there any new relief package in the works for the telecom sector? There is no proposal at present. Industry has been demanding a cut in Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) levy for a long time. Is DoT considering any reduction? There is no proposal of reduction. Do you think a 3+1 telco market is healthy enough for a country like India? India has large numbers of telecom licensees having authorisation to offer various telecom services. Market dynamics determine equilibrium. How has been the progress of Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) so far? How much disbursement has been made till date? A total of 120 proposals covering areas such as 5G development under the 'India 5G Stack', 6G and beyond technology development, Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) development, and other telecom technologies are being funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, amounting to ₹500 crore. These also include 100 proposals aimed at advancing the development of 6G technologies and ensuring robust, efficient, and sustainable connectivity solutions. As of now about ₹180 crores have been disbursed. India's 6G preparedness seems to be slow-paced as against the ambition of at least 10% of the global patents by 2030. What steps are you taking to fast-forward the progress? India is gearing up for 6G by 2030 with a strong push for domestic innovation, guided by the Bharat 6G Vision . Building on its 5G research foundation, the country has launched over 100 research and development (R&D) projects and set up indigenous test beds and labs. Key events like the TTDF Symposium 2025 and the upcoming 3GPP RAN meeting in Bengaluru underscore India's growing role in shaping global telecom standards. Do you think terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks will be complementary to each other? Terrestrial networks offer dense, high-speed coverage, while non-terrestrial networks like satellites extend reach to remote and underserved areas. Together, they enable seamless, global connectivity across land, air, and sea. Share an update on terahertz band (95 GHz-3THz) and terahertz experimental authorisation (THEA), as proposed by Trai, to promote R&D and trials? TRAI recommendations on Terahertz band and Terahertz Experimental Authorisation, are under the Department of Telecommunications' consideration. What are the top 2-3 focus areas for BSNL in the current fiscal? What steps are you taking to sustain profitability? The focus areas of BSNL include rollout of indigenous 4G network, improving quality of service, improving customer service, and eventually make the company profitable. Share an update on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) assets monetisation exercise? Total earnings generated through asset monetization of BSNL and MTNL, is ₹12,984 crores since the approval of 2019 revival plan, from sale and rental. By when will the BharatNet 3 program be completed? The amended BharatNet project is for ten years.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
About ₹500 crore approved till date under TTDF for 120 tech projects: MoS Telecom
The government has approved around ₹500 crore till date under Telecom Technology Development Fund to 120 projects in areas of 5G, 6G, chipsets and quantum technology , Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said on Wednesday. The minister shared the information about his review meeting of the TTDF on his social media account. "TTDF is our flagship fund to support R&D and innovation in telecom technologies. Since launch, ₹499.6 Cr approved for 120 projects in 5G, 6G, chipsets & quantum tech," Pemmasani said on social media platform X. Launched on October 1, 2022 and implemented by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), TTDF supports cutting-edge research in areas such as 6G, quantum communication, secure chipsets, and intelligent rural connectivity. Since inception, the scheme has received over 1,340 proposals, with 120 R&D projects approved and ₹499.6 crore sanctioned, of which ₹187 crore has already been disbursed. DoT sources, who were aware of the developments at the meeting, shared that the minister emphasised the need for measurable outcomes from public investments in R&D and suggested a series of reforms to strengthen TTDF's implementation framework. "He highlighted that projects supported under TTDF should be closely aligned with real-world objectives, backed by clear monitoring mechanisms. To expedite decision-making, he suggested that the structure of evaluation committees may be streamlined and timelines clearly defined," a source said. He also encouraged greater involvement of reputed private equity professionals and domain experts to enrich the assessment process and improve sectoral relevance, the source added. The review came shortly after the TTDF Symposium 2025, held at IIT Madras Research Park from June 19-21, where 112 funded projects were evaluated across 12 technology verticals by over 40 expert mentors. Recognising the importance of sustained oversight, Pemmasani is learnt to have proposed monthly reviews of TTDF's progress at his level to enable timely feedback and course correction. "In a bid to boost participation from emerging enterprises, he suggested simplifying the scheme guidelines to reduce entry barriers for startups and MSMEs. Structural streamlining of existing committees and feedback mechanisms were also recommended to ensure improved execution and support," an official source said.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
About Rs 500 crore approved till date under TTDF for 120 tech projects: MoS Telecom
The government has approved around Rs 500 crore till date under Telecom Technology Development Fund to 120 projects in areas of 5G, 6G, chipsets and quantum technology , Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said on Wednesday. The minister shared the information about his review meeting of the TTDF on his social media account. "TTDF is our flagship fund to support R&D and innovation in telecom technologies. Since launch, Rs 499.6 Cr approved for 120 projects in 5G, 6G, chipsets & quantum tech," Pemmasani said on social media platform X. Launched on October 1, 2022 and implemented by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), TTDF supports cutting-edge research in areas such as 6G, quantum communication, secure chipsets, and intelligent rural connectivity. Since inception, the scheme has received over 1,340 proposals, with 120 R&D projects approved and Rs 499.6 crore sanctioned, of which Rs 187 crore has already been disbursed. Live Events DoT sources, who were aware of the developments at the meeting, shared that the minister emphasised the need for measurable outcomes from public investments in R&D and suggested a series of reforms to strengthen TTDF's implementation framework. "He highlighted that projects supported under TTDF should be closely aligned with real-world objectives, backed by clear monitoring mechanisms. To expedite decision-making, he suggested that the structure of evaluation committees may be streamlined and timelines clearly defined," a source said. He also encouraged greater involvement of reputed private equity professionals and domain experts to enrich the assessment process and improve sectoral relevance, the source added. The review came shortly after the TTDF Symposium 2025, held at IIT Madras Research Park from June 19-21, where 112 funded projects were evaluated across 12 technology verticals by over 40 expert mentors. Recognising the importance of sustained oversight, Pemmasani is learnt to have proposed monthly reviews of TTDF's progress at his level to enable timely feedback and course correction. "In a bid to boost participation from emerging enterprises, he suggested simplifying the scheme guidelines to reduce entry barriers for startups and MSMEs. Structural streamlining of existing committees and feedback mechanisms were also recommended to ensure improved execution and support," an official source said. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
Arunachal is taking rapid strides in digitalisation: CM
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu has reiterated the state govt's commitment to bridging the digital divide, reports Joken Ete. The state is rising on the digital highway, connecting people, empowering communities and increasing opportunities, Khandu wrote in a social media post. Over 3,500 villages in the frontier state have 4G connectivity bridging the digital divide, he said, adding that 5G services have been launched in Itanagar. The CM said 827 gram panchayats have VSAT links successfully established. Under the Digital Bharat Nidhi, 531 sites have been planned with a target to connect 1,042 villages for seamless digital access.
