Rural Digital Empowerment

• 14 Mar 2024

Source: PIB

The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a tripartite MoU with Prasar Bharati and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to democratise digital services access in rural India.

• The tripartite MoU aims to expand affordable and accessible digital services nationwide, leveraging the BharatNet infrastructure under USOF.
• USOF's role in providing high-speed broadband in Gram Panchayats and villages will complement Prasar Bharati's OTT platform, offering linear channels, Live TV, and on-demand content.
• Prasar Bharati will curate content for its OTT platform, utilising its extensive legacy, consumer reach, and brand recognition.
• ONDC will contribute technical expertise and infrastructure for enabling digital commerce in various sectors, expanding beyond e-commerce to include education, health, finance, and agriculture.

Read more: Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Prasar Bharati, ONDC and its Potential