Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CTDP, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN);
Why in the News?
The Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region (NER) funded from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) aims to provide mobile coverage to uncovered villages and National Highways
About the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP):
| Overview |
- CTDP aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure in India’s North Eastern Region (NER) by improving mobile and broadband access.
- The plan is funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) programme.
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN):
- Established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
- Replaces the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
- USOF was created to provide telecom services in remote and rural areas at affordable prices.
- Funded by a 5% Universal Service Levy on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of telecom operators.
- Aimed to expand telecom networks in low-profit remote and rural areas.
- Statutory Status: Granted in December 2003 through amendments to the Indian Telegraph Act (now superseded by the Telecom Act, 2023).
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| Salient Features |
- Mobile Coverage Expansion: Extend mobile coverage to previously uncovered villages and National Highways in NER.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Installation of 2,619 mobile towers, covering 3,223 villages and 286 highway locations.
- 4G Saturation: Providing 4G connectivity to remote villages.
- Support for Socio-Economic Development: Empower citizens through ICTs for development.
- Digital Inclusion: Help bridge the digital divide in NER.
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| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
- Funding: Primarily funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) programme.
- Implementation: Coordinated through DBN-funded schemes focusing on mobile towers, 4G coverage, and broadband development.
- Agencies Involved:
- Ministry of Communication: Oversees implementation, ensures spectrum and policy approvals.
- DBN: Provides funding and operational support.
- Telecom Service Providers: Deploy infrastructure like towers and 4G networks.
- State Governments of NER: Facilitate local implementation.
- Project Management Agencies: Involved in setting up towers and maintenance.
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PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following is/are the aims/aims of the “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?
- Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
- Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
- Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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