Telecom Technology Development Fund Scheme

Recently, Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), launched Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme.

Key Points:

About

Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

Objectives:

To fund R&D in rural-specific communication technology applications.
To form synergies among academia, start-ups, research institutes, and the industry to build and develop the telecom ecosystem.

Under the scheme, USOF is targeting to create the ecosystem for research, design and prototyping.

Significance:

TTDF will promote technology ownership and indigenous manufacturing.

It will create a culture of technology co-innovation, reduce imports, boost export opportunities and creation of Intellectual Property.

- USOF intends to offer financial assistance for the delivery of telecom services in rural and remote areas of the nation that are not commercially viable.
- The administrator, who is chosen by the federal government, heads this attached office of the Department of Telecom.
Funding Pattern:

- USOF is a non-lapsable Fund.
- The Levy sum is credited to India’s Consolidated Fund.
- After proper appropriation by the Parliament, the fund is made available to USOF.

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