USOF Launches Telecom Technology Development Fund Scheme

In Context

•  Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) officially launched the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme.

About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme

• Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) aims to fund R&D in rural-specific communication technology applications and form synergies among academia, start-ups, research institutes, and the industry to build and develop the telecom ecosystem.
• Additionally, the Scheme aims to promote technology ownership and indigenous manufacturing, create a culture of technology co-innovation, reduce imports, boost export opportunities and creation of Intellectual Property.
• Under the scheme, USOF is also targeting to develop standards to meet countrywide requirements and create the ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, use cases, pilots, and proof of concept testing, among others.

What is USOF?

• About:
  • The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) was formed by an Act of Parliament, and was established in April 2002 under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act 2003.
  • It aims to provide financial support for the provision of telecom services in commercially unviable rural and remote areas of the country.
  • It is an attached office of the Department of Telecom, and is headed by the administrator, who is appointed by the central government.
• Funding Pattern:
  • USOF is a non-lapsable Fund.
  • The Levy amount is credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
  • The fund is made available to USOF after due appropriation by the Parliament.

Source: PIB