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 The table below summarizes processing fees, entry fees, Bank Guarantees, Minimum Paid Up Capital, networth requirements  etc.for UL:  The table below summarizes processing fees, entry fees, Bank Guarantees, Minimum Paid Up Capital, networth requirements  etc.for UL: 
  
-**Table: Details of Minimum required Equity, Minimum Net Worth, Entry Fee, PBG, FBG, and Application Processing Fee for various service authorizations** ((Annexure I, DoT Guidelines on UL 20-281/2010-AS-I (Vol VI) ))+**Table: Unified Licence: Details of Minimum required Equity, Minimum Net Worth, Entry Fee, PBG, FBG, and Application Processing Fee for various service authorizations** ((Annexure I, DoT Guidelines on UL 20-281/2010-AS-I (Vol VI) ))
  
-^Sl No. ^Service ^Minimum Equity (Rs. Cr.)^Minimum Net Worth(Rs. Cr.)^ Entry Fee(Rs. Cr.)^PBG (Rs. Cr.)^ FBG (Rs. Cr.)^ Application Processing Fee (Rs. Cr.)^ +^Sl No. ^Service ^Minimum Equity in INR(USD)^Minimum Net Worthin INR(USD)^ Entry Feein INR(USD)^PBG in INR(USD)^ FBG in INR(USD)^ Application Processing Fee in INR(USD)^ 
-|1| UL(All services)|25.000|25.000|15.000|220.000|44.000|0.010|+|1| UL(All services)|2,50,000k(USD 33,31,092)|1,50,000k (USD 33,31,092)|1,50,000k(USD 19,98,655)|4,40,000k(USD 58,62,722)|88,000k (USD 11,72,544)|100k (USD 1,332)|
 |Service Authorisation-wise Requirements|||||||| |Service Authorisation-wise Requirements||||||||
-|1|Access Service (Telecom Circle /Metro Area)|2.500|2.500|1.000 (0.5 for NE & J&K)|10.000|2.000|0.005| +|1|Access Service (Telecom Circle /Metro Area)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109) |25,000k (USD 3,33,109) |10,000 k(USD 1,33,244)(5,000 for NE & J&K)|20,000k (USD 2,66,487)|4,000k (USD 53,297)|50k (USD 666)| 
-|2|NLD (National Area)|2.500|2.500|2.500|2.500|5.000|0.005| +|2|NLD (National Area)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109) |25,000k (USD 3,33,109)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109)|5,000k (USD 66,622)|10,000k (USD 1,33,244) |50k (USD 666)| 
-|3|ILD (National Area)|2.500|2.500|2.500|2.500|5.000|0.005| +|3|ILD (National Area)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109) |25,000k (USD 3,33,109)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109)|5,000k (USD 66,622)|10,000k (USD 1,33,244) |50k (USD 666)| 
-|4|VSAT (National Area)|Nil|Nil|0.300|0.500|0.300|0.005| +|4|VSAT (National Area)|Nil |Nil|3,000k (USD 39,973)|1,000k (USD 13,324) |600k (USD 7,995) 50k (USD 666)| 
-|5|PMRTS (Telecom circle/Metro Area)|Nil|Nil|0.005|0.010|0.010|0.0015| +|5|PMRTS (Telecom circle/Metro Area)|Nil|Nil|50k (USD 666) |20k (USD 266) |20k (USD 266) |15k (USD 200)| 
-|6|GMPCS (National Area)|2.500|2.500|1.000|2.500|1.000|0.005| +|6|GMPCS (National Area)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109) |10,000k (USD 1,33,244) |5,000k (USD 66,622)|2,000k (USD 26,649) |50k (USD 666)| 
-|7|INSAT MSS-R (National Area) |Nil|Nil|0.300|0.020|0.020|0.005| +|7|INSAT MSS-R (National Area) |Nil|Nil|3,000k (USD 39,973)|40k (USD 533) |40k (USD 533) |50k (USD 666)| 
-|8| ISP-A (National Area)| Nil|Nil|0.300|2.000|0.100|0.005| +|8| ISP-A (National Area)|Nil |Nil |3,000k (USD 39,973) |4,000k (USD 53,297) |200k (USD 2,665) |50k (USD 666)| 
-|9|ISP "B" (Telecom circle/Metro Area)|Nil|Nil|0.020|0.100|0.010|0.0015| +|9|ISP "B" (Telecom circle/Metro Area)|Nil |Nil |200k (USD 2,665) |200k (USD 2,665) |20k (USD 266) |15k (USD 200)| 
-|10|ISP "C" (SSA)|Nil|Nil|0.002|0.005|0.001|0.001| +|10|ISP "C" (SSA)|Nil |Nil| 20k (USD 266) |10k (USD 133) |2k (USD 27) |10k (USD 133)| 
-|11|Resale IPLC(National Area)|2.500|2.500|1.000|2.000|1.000|0.005|+|11|Resale IPLC(National Area)|25,000k (USD 3,33,109) |25,000k (USD 3,33,109) |10,000k (USD 1,33,244) |20,000k (USD 2,66,487) |10,000k (USD 1,33,244) |50k (USD 666)|
  
 The table below summarizes processing fees, entry fees, Bank Guarantees, Minimum Paid Up Capital, networth requirements  etc.for UL-VNO: The table below summarizes processing fees, entry fees, Bank Guarantees, Minimum Paid Up Capital, networth requirements  etc.for UL-VNO:
  
-**Table: Details of Minimum required Equity, Minimum Net Worth, Entry Fee, and Application Processing Fee for various service authorizations**+**Table: Unified Licence (VNO) : Details of Minimum required Equity, Minimum Net Worth, Entry Fee, and Application Processing Fee for various service authorizations**
  
-^Sl. No.^Service Authorization(s) (VNO)^Minimum Equity (Rs. Cr.)^Minimum Net Worth (Rs. Cr.)^Entry Fee (Rs. Cr.)^Application Processing Fee (Rs. Cr.)^FBG^ +^Sl. No.^Service Authorization(s)(VNO)^Minimum Equity in INR(USD)^ Minimum Net Worth in INR(USD) ^Entry Fee in INR(USD)^ FBG in INR(USD)^ Application Processing Fee in INR(USD)^ 
-|1|UL (VNO- All Services)|10.0|10.0|7.5|0.01|22.0| +|1|UL (VNO- All Services)|1,00,000k (USD 13,32,437)| 1,00,000k (USD 13,32,437)| 75,000k (USD 9,99,328)| 44,000k (USD 5,86,272)| 100k (USD 1,332)| 
-|2|Access Service (Telecom Circle/ Metro Area)|1.0|1.0|0.5 (0.25 for NE & J&K)|0.005|1.0| +|2|Access Service (Telecom Circle/ Metro Area)|10,000k (USD 1,33,244) |10,000k (USD 1,33,244) |5000k (USD 66,622), 2500k (USD 33,311) for NE & J&K) | 2,000k (USD 26,649)| 50k (USD 666| 
-|3|NLD (National Area)|1.0|1.0|1.25|0.005|2.5| +|3|NLD (National Area)|10,000k (USD 1,33,244)| 10,000k (USD 1,33,244)| 12,500k (USD 1,66,555)| 5,000k (USD 66,622)| 50k (USD 666)| 
-|4|ILD (National Area)|1.0|1.0|1.25|0.005|2.5| +|4|ILD (National Area)|10,000k (USD 1,33,244)| 10,000k (USD 1,33,244)| 12,500k (USD 1,66,555)| 5,000k (USD 66,622)| 50k (USD 666)| 
-|5|VSAT (National Area)|Nil|Nil|0.15|0.005|0.15| +|5|VSAT (National Area)|Nil |Nil |1,500k (USD 19,987)| 300k (USD 3,997)| 50k (USD 666)| 
-|6|PMRTS (Telecom Circle / Metro)|Nil|Nil|0.0035|0.0015|0.005| +|6|PMRTS (Telecom Circle / Metro)|Nil |Nil |25k (USD 333) |10k (USD 133)| 15k (USD 200)| 
-|7|GMPCS (National Area)|1.0|1.0|0.5|0.005|0.5| +|7|GMPCS (National Area)|Nil |Nil |25k (USD 333) |10k (USD 133)| 15k (USD 200)| 
-|8|INSAT MSS-R (National Area)|Nil|Nil|0.15|0.005|0.01 +|8|INSAT MSS-R (National Area)|Nil|Nil |1,500k (USD 19,987)| 20k (USD 266)| 50k (USD 666)| 
-|9|ISP “A” (National Area)|Nil|Nil|0.15|0.005|0.05| +|9|ISP “A” (National Area)|Nil| Nil |1,500k (USD 19,987)| 100k (USD 1,332)| 50k (USD 666)| 
-|10|ISP “B” (Telecom Circle/ Metro Area) |Nil|Nil|0.010|0.0015|0.005| +|10|ISP “B” (Telecom Circle/ Metro Area) |Nil | Nil |100k (USD 1,332)| 10k (USD 133)| 15k (USD 200)| 
-|11|ISP “C” (SSA)|Nil|Nil|0.001|0.001|0.0005| +|11|ISP “C” (SSA)|Nil | Nil | 10k (USD 133)| 1k (USD 13)| 10k (USD 133)| 
-|12|Resale of IPLC (National Area)|1.25|1.25|0.5|0.005|0.5| +|12|Resale of IPLC (National Area)|12,500k (USD 1,66,555)| 12,500k (USD 1,66,555)| 5,000k (USD 66,622)| 1,000k (USD 13,324)| 50k (USD 666)| 
-|13|Access Services Category B (Districts)|-|0.05|0.0165|0.001|0.01|+|13|Access Services Category B (Districts)|-|500k (USD 6,662)| 165k (USD 2,199)| 20k (USD 266)| 10k (USD 133)|
  
  
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 </callout> </callout>
  
-===== Backhaul ===== +=====Backhaul===== 
 + 
 +‘Bharat Net’ project, earlier known as National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), is a flagship project of Government of India which aims to connect 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats  of India through optical fibre network. Viewed as the first pillar of ‘Digital India’ Programme (( [[https://dot.gov.in/telecom-glance | DoT, Telecom at a Glance ]] )) BharatNet project aims to provide connectivity for ‘middle-mile’ : laying of incremental fibre from Block HQs to Gram Panchayats to fill the connectivity gap. 
 + 
 + 
 +<callout type="default" icon="true"> 
 + 
 +The Bharat Net fibre can be utilized by service providers in two ways: (( Reproduced from http://www.bbnl.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=725&lev=2&lid=577&langid=1 )) 
 + 
 +  - **Bandwidth Utilization**: Any service provider/ government agency that intends to provide its services at Gram Panchayat level may connect to BharatNet at block optical line termination (OLT) location from where its traffic is carried to Gram Panchayat (GP) level on BharatNet. At the GP, the service provider has to extend its services to the end-customers using its own last mile. 
 +  - ** Dark Fibre Utilization **: Service providers may also utilize the dark fiber on the new cable laid by BBNL between block and GPs, called incremental cable, for extending its services to GPs. The dark fiber is available from Fiber Point of Interconnect (with the existing fiber) to the GPs.  
 +</callout> 
 + 
 +<callout type="tip" icon="true"> **Important Resources for Service Providers who plan to utilize NOFN/ BharatNet** 
 +  * The tariff for Bharat Net bandwidth and dark fibre can be found [[http://bbnl.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=673&lev=2&lid=538&langid=1 | here]]. 
 +  * The detailed procedure for Bharat Net connectivity can be found [[http://bbnl.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=718&lev=2&lid=572&langid=1| here]]: Requirements,   * [[http://www.bbnl.nic.in//admnis/admin/showimg.aspx?ID=1411| Application Form for Bandwidth on Bharat Net ]], [[http://www.bbnl.nic.in//admnis/admin/showimg.aspx?ID=1009 | Application form for taking on Lease Dark Fibre on Incremental Cable of Bharatnet]], Payment Procedure, etc.  
 +  * [[ http://www.bbnl.nic.in/showurl.aspx?lsid=722&lev=2&lid=576&langid=1 | Block-wise Line Diagram for Bharat Net and BBNL Dark Fibre]], [[ http://bbnl.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=652&lev=2&lid=526&langid=1 | Lat-Long of GPs, FPOIs and OLTs for GPs under BharatNet Phase-I ]] 
 +</callout> 
 + 
 +The Government of India, from time to time, has come up with various policies and regulations to strengthen and improve access to backhaul.  
 + 
 +NDCP 2018 emphasizes on enhancing the backhaul capacity to support the development of next generation networks like 5G. (( See (d)(ii) in Section 2.2 , p.20 of 24 [[https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20NDCP-2018.pdf?download=1 | NDCP 2018 ]] )) Specifically, NDCP 2018 mentions promotion of effective utilisation of high capacity backhaul E-band 71-76/ 81-86 GHz) and V-band (57-64 MHz) spectrum, and rationalization of annual royalty charges for microwave links for backhaul connectivity  as some of the strategies to improve backhaul connectivity. ((See (d)(iii), Section 1.2 , p.17 of 24 [[https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20NDCP-2018.pdf?download=1 | NDCP 2018 ]] ((Section 1.2 (d)(iv) , p.17 of 24 [[https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20NDCP-2018.pdf?download=1 | NDCP 2018 ]] )) With the aim to establish a National Digital Grid, NDCP 2018 mentions facilitating development of Open Access Next Generation Network as a sub-strategy. ((Section 1.1 (c)(iv) , p.16 of 24 [[https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20NDCP-2018.pdf?download=1 | NDCP 2018 ]] )  
 + 
 +In order to facilitate sharing of telecom infrastructure, DoT issued a notification in February 2016 which permits sharing of active infrastructure amongst service providers based on mutual agreements. (( [[https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Telecom%20at%20a%20Glance-2019.pdf?download=1 | DoT, Telecom at a Glance ]] )) In the said notification, active sharing was limited to antenna, feeder cable, Node B, Radio Access network (RAN) and transmission systems. ((Section 33.2, Amended vide DOT’s letter no 20-443/2014-AS-I Pt dated 11.02.2016 [[https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/2016_03_30%20UL-AS-I.pdf?download=1| UL version dated 29.03.2016 ]] )) However, DoT through a notification dated 06.04.2021 widened the scope of active infrastructure sharing further to give a boost to Public Wi-Fi services and drive broadband penetration (( https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/dot-widens-scope-of-active-infra-sharing-to-boost-broadband-penetration/articleshow/81935288.cms?from=mdr )) : //Sharing of infrastructure related to Wi-Fi equipment such as Wi-Fi router, Access point etc. allowed. Sharing of backhaul also permitted.// (( [[ https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Infrastructure%20sharing-UL-06042021.pdf?download=1 | Amendment in Unified License relating to infrastructure sharing and Public Wi-Fi services ]] )) 
 + 
 +With regard to internet exchange points (IXPs), the following table provides the list of IXPs operating in India. 
 + 
 +** Table: Internet Exchange Points in India** (( Adapted from https://innog.net/resources/ixps/)) 
 + 
 +^ Name of IXP^ Website ^ Locations^                                                                      
 +|NIXI| http://nixi.in| Noida, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Guwahati| 
 +|Mumbai IX|https://www.mumbai-ix.net| Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata|                                           
 +|Extreme IX|https://extreme-ix.org| Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata| 
 +|AMS-IX India| https://www.ams-ix.net /in| Mumbai|                                                                         
 +|IIFON| http://iifon.org| Kolkata|                                                                      
 +|BharatIX| https://www.bharatix.net| Mumbai|                                                                   
 + 
 +Of the IXPs listed above,  National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) was set up by the government. It  was set up in 2003 //for peering of ISPs among themselves for the purpose of routing the domestic traffic within the country, instead of taking it all the way to US/Abroad, thereby resulting in better quality of service (reduced latency) and reduced bandwidth charges for ISPs by saving on International Bandwidth.// ((Reproduced from https://www.nixi.in/en/about-us ))
  
  
 ===== Gender ===== ===== Gender =====
 +India has a stark gender divide when it comes to accessing the internet. According to [[ https://images.assettype.com/afaqs/2021-06/b9a3220f-ae2f-43db-a0b4-36a372b243c4/KANTAR_ICUBE_2020_Report_C1.pdf | Kantar ICUBE 2020 Report on Internet Adoption in India]] , there are overall 622 million active internet users (AIU) in India. Out of which 58 per cent are male and remaining 42 per cent are females. The divide is almost the same in rural and urban India: In rural India, the ratio between male to female internet users is 57:43, whereas for urban areas this ratio is 58:42. 
 +
 +Some of the policies brought out by the Government have tried to address this issue of digital gender divide. The National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) 2018 lists down a ‘Connect India’ strategy which provides for inclusion of uncovered areas and digitally deprived segments of society by channelizing the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) for marginalized communities, **women** and persons with disabilities.
 +
 +The Draft National Policy for Women (NPW) 2016 acknowledges that the global growth in technology and information systems can have an impact on the general populace, and women in particular, in unique and different ways. ((para 1.4 in Section 1. Introduction, [[ https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/draft%20national%20policy%20for%20women%202016_0.pdf | National Policy for Women, 2016 ]] )) NPW also suggests that the growth in Information Technology (IT) has also resulted in new forms of sexual abuse against women including cyber crimes, harassment through mobile and internet, and that the regulatory frameworks are not yet in pace with technological growth happening currently. ((para 1.7 in Section 1. Introduction, [[ https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/draft%20national%20policy%20for%20women%202016_0.pdf | National Policy for Women, 2016 ]] )) NPW 2016 strives to encourage women’s participation in new and upcoming industries such as information based industries, telecommunications, etc. (( Section 5 (III) (Service Sector) (i) on p.10 [[ https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/draft%20national%20policy%20for%20women%202016_0.pdf | National Policy for Women, 2016 ]] )) NPW strategizes to collect gender-based data through mobile phones in order to inform policy prescriptions. (( Section 5 (III) (Science and Technology) (ii) on p.10 [[ https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/draft%20national%20policy%20for%20women%202016_0.pdf | National Policy for Women, 2016 ]] )) In order to encourage girl students/ women to enter into areas of ICT, NPW envisions institutionalization of enabling mechanisms. (( Section 5 (III) (Science and Technology) (v) on p.10 [[ https://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/draft%20national%20policy%20for%20women%202016_0.pdf | National Policy for Women, 2016 ]] )) 
 +
 +<callout type="tip" icon="true"> Resources for understanding policy environment around gender in India:
 +
 +   - Policies related to gender and women can be found [[ https://wcd.nic.in/policie | here ]]
 +   - All gender related legislations of India can be accessed from [[ https://wcd.nic.in/act/2314 | here]]
 +   - Guidelines with regard to gender, and women in particular can be found [[ https://wcd.nic.in/act/2314 | here ]]
 +</callout> 
 +
 +=====Universal Service=====
 +
 +The [[ https://dot.gov.in/national-telecom-policy-1994 | New Telecom Policy (NTP) 1994 ]] , the first telecom policy statement of India, mentioned universal availability of basic telecom services to all villages as one of its objectives. (( Section 2, [[ https://dot.gov.in/national-telecom-policy-1994 | NTP, 1994]] )) However, a more concrete and clearer framework for Universal Service was seen in the [[ https://dot.gov.in/new-telecom-policy-1999 | New Telecommunication Policy (NTP), 1999]] : NTP 1999 had a section dedicated to the Universal Service Obligations (USO) . (( See Section 6.0, [[https://dot.gov.in/new-telecom-policy-1999 | NTP, 1999]] )) 
 +
 +<callout type="default" icon="true"> 
 +NTP 1999 explicitly mentioned Universal Service as an important objective:  //...Strive to provide a balance between the provision of universal service to all uncovered areas, including the rural areas, and the provision of high-level services capable of meeting the needs of the country's economy; Encourage development of telecommunication facilities in remote, hilly and tribal areas of the country // ((Reproduced from Section 2.0, [[ https://dot.gov.in/new-telecom-policy-1999 | NTP, 1999]] )) 
 +</callout>
 +
 +NTP 1999 provided that a ‘Universal Access Levy (UAL)’ be raised from all operators under various licences to meet the resource requirement for Universal Service Obligation (USO). ((Section 6.0,  [[ https://dot.gov.in/new-telecom-policy-1999 | NTP, 1999]] )). This levy is calculated as a percentage of the revenue earned by the operators, and this percentage is decided by the Government in consultation with TRAI. ((Section 6.0,  [[ https://dot.gov.in/new-telecom-policy-1999 | NTP, 1999]] )) At present, USO Levy is 5 percent of the AGR. ((Source: Section 18.2, [[https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Unified%20Licence_0.pdf | License Agreement for Unified License]] ))
 +
 +To further the objective enshrined in NTP 1999, DoT issued the guidelines for ‘Universal Service Support Policy’ in 2002 ((http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/usof-history.jsp )), and a Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) was constituted. USOF was accorded statutory status through The Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act 2003, and subsequently the rules for administration of USOF  known as Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2004 were notified on 26.03.2004. ((https://dot.gov.in/universal-service-obligation-fund-usof )) 
 +
 +<callout type="default" icon="true">
 + Definition of Universal Service Obligations as per Indian Telegraph Act: //“Universal Service Obligation” means the obligation to provide access to telegraph services to people in the rural and remote areas at affordable and reasonable prices.//
 + </callout>
 +
 +NTP 2012 laid the foundation for National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), which is considered to be the most prominent service supported by USO. NTP 2012 provided that the optical fibre network will be laid up to the Village Panchayat by funding from the USOF. ((para 1.3 in Section IV , p.8 of 20, [[ http://www.dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/NTP-06.06.2012-final.pdf | NTP 2012 ]] )) Accordingly, Indian Telegraph Rules 1951 was amended to insert a section on NOFN. (( [[ http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/miscellaneous/Indian%20Telegraph%20Rules%202012.PDF | Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2012 ]] ))
 +
 +NOFN is one example of a service supported by USOF. As per Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules 2004 (amended further in 2006 and 2008) , USOF supports a range of services segregated in six different streams. 
 +
 +**Table: Services Supported by USOF** ((Adapted from http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/usof-stream.jsp ))
 +
 +^ Stream of Service^ Sub-Streams/ Explanations^ Key Projects under each stream and Link to the Project^ 
 +|Stream-I: Provision of Public Access Service| (a) Operation and Maintenance of Village Public Telephones (VPT) in the revenue villages identified as per Census 1991 and Installation of VPTs in the additional revenue villages as per Census 2001; (b) Provision of Rural Community Phones (RCPs) after achieving the target of one VPT in every revenue village where in a village the population is more than 2000 and no public call office (PCO) exists, a second public phone shall be installed;  (c) Replacement of Multi Access Radio Relay Technology (MARR) VPTs installed before the 1st day of April 2002| [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/o-m-vpt.jsp| O&M of VPTs]], [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/vpt-pahes-I.jsp | New VPTs Phase 1]], [[ http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/vpt-pahes-II.jsp | New VPTs Phase 2]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/RCP.jsp | Rural Community Phones (RCPs) ]] |
 +|Stream-II: Provision of Household Telephones in Rural and Remote Areas as may be Determined by the Central Government from Time to Time| (a) For rural household Direct Exchange Lines (RDELs) installed prior to 1st day of April, 2002, support towards the difference in rental actually charged from rural subscribers and rent prescribed by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for such subscribers shall be reimbursed until such time the ADC prescribed by TRAI from time to time takes into account this difference. Also following the phasing out of the ADC Regime, support for a limited duration of three years for rural wire line RDELs installed prior to 01.04.02;  (b) Support for RDELs installed after the 1st day of April, 2002 | [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/RDEL_P.jsp | RDELs prior to 1.04.02 ]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/RDEL_B.jsp | RDELs 1.04.03 to 31.03.05]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/RDEL_A_X.jsp | RDELs w.e.f. 31.03.05]] |
 +|Stream-III: Creation of Infrastructure for provision of Mobile Services in Rural and Remote Areas. | The assets constituting the infrastructure for provision of mobile services shall be determined by the Central Government from time to time.| [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/Mobile_Infrasrure_Scheme.jsp | Mobile Infrastructure Phase 1 ]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/LWE.jsp | Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Areas]] ; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/amarnath.jsp | AmarNath]] |
 +|Stream-IV: Provision of Broadband Connectivity to rural & remote areas in a phased manner.|-|[[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/usof-wireline-broadband.jsp | Wireline Broadband ]]|
 +|Stream-V: Creation of General Infrastructure in Rural and Remote Areas for Development of Telecommunication facilities.| The items of general infrastructure to be taken up for development shall be determined by the Central Government from time to time.|[[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/OFC_Assam.jsp | CSC Wi-Fi Choupal ]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/OFC_Assam.jsp | OFC for Assam ]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/OFC_NE_I.jsp | OFC for NE I ]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/OFC_NE_II.jsp | OFC for NE II ]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/NOFN.jsp | National Optical Fibre Network with BBNL]]|
 +|Stream-VI: Induction of new technological developments in the telecom sector in Rural and Remote Areas| Pilot projects to establish new technological developments in the telecom sector, which can be deployed in the Rural and Remote Areas, may be supported with the approval of the Central Government.| [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/SMCF.jsp | Solar Mobile Charging Facility (SMCF) ]]; [[http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/usof-sanchar-shakti.jsp | Sanchar Shakti ]]
 +
 +
 +<callout type="danger" icon="true"> 
 +About 49 per cent of the USOF still remains unused. Based on the latest figures (As on 31.07.2021) total accretion is Rs. 119121.34 cr, total disbursement is Rs. 60840.80 cr. ,  Potentially available fund Rs. 58280.54 cr. ((Source: http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/usof-fund-status-table.jsp ))
 +</callout>
  
-===== Universal Service ===== 
  
 ===== Cooperatives ===== ===== Cooperatives =====
 +
 +Cooperatives in India are not a new phenomenon: even though the formal cooperative structures came into existence post the passing of a law on cooperatives in 1904, the concept of cooperation and cooperative activities were already practiced in different regions of India. (( Section 44.1 of Chapter 44 [[ http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ch44.pdf | MOSPI Year Book ]] )) Cooperatives in India originally evolved in agriculture and allied sectors as a mechanism for pooling meager resources of people so that benefits of economies of scale could be availed. (( Para 1.1 in Section 1 of [[ https://mscs.dac.gov.in/Form/NatPolicy02.pdf | National Policy on Cooperatives ]] )). The legislative history of cooperatives in India can be divided into two parts: pre- Independence and post- Independence. The first attempt to institutionalize cooperatives was taken by the British-India Government through enacting the Cooperatives Credit Societies Act of 1904. The promulgation of this act is considered to be the formal introduction of the Cooperative Movement in India. (( Section 44.1 of Chapter 44 [[ http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ch44.pdf | MOSPI Year Book ]] )) The Cooperative Credit Societies Act of 1904 was replaced by a more comprehensive Cooperative Societies Act of 1912 which also expanded the scope of cooperatives. Till today, this act remains the primary legislation for cooperative societies in India.
 +
 +<callout type="tip" icon="true"> At present, in India a cooperative society can be formed under the provisions of [[ https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1912-02.pdf | Cooperative Societies Act, 1912]]  </callout>
 +
 +The subject of cooperation was transferred to the (then) provinces under Government of India Act of 1919, and cooperatives remained a provincial subject in the subsequent Government of India Act of 1935. (( Para 1.1 in Section 1 of [[ https://mscs.dac.gov.in/Form/NatPolicy02.pdf | National Policy on Cooperatives ]] )) 
 +
 +<callout type="default" icon="true">
 +In the present legal framework, the item “Cooperative Societies” appears under entry 32 of the State List of the Constitution of India. </callout>
 +
 +To administer cooperative societies having membership in more than one province, the British-India Government enacted the Multi-Unit Cooperative Societies Act, 1942. Post-Independence this act was replaced by the [[  http://www.bareactslive.com/ACA/act3609.htm#:~:text=An%20Act%20to%20consolidate%20and,in%20more%20than%20one%20State.&text=1.,-Short%20Title%2C%20Extent&text=%2D%20(1)%20This%20Act%20may,to%20the%20whole%20of%20India.| Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 1984]] under entry 44 of the  Union List, and further by the [[ https://mscs.dac.gov.in/Guidelines/GuidelineAct2002.pdf| Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002]]. In the same year, a National Policy on Cooperatives was also brought out by the government for promotion and development of cooperatives.
 +
 +<callout type="default" icon="true">India’s [[ https://mscs.dac.gov.in/Form/NatPolicy02.pdf | National Policy on Cooperatives ]] follows the International Cooperative Alliance’s (ICA) definition of cooperatives: // “Cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise” // </callout>
 +
 +With regard to constitutional provisions related to cooperatives, Part IX B of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding the cooperatives working in India. Part IX- B was inserted through the Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011. This amendment also added the word “cooperatives” after “unions and associations” in Article 19(1)( c ) under Part III of the Constitution. This means, the right to form cooperatives has the status of fundamental right in India. Further, a new article 43B was added through the said amendment in the Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP): // “promotion of cooperative societies” //
 +
 +As cooperatives fall under the state list, each state in India has their own cooperative laws for governing cooperatives operating within the state. In the current legal framework, national cooperatives and cooperatives having multi-state operation are governed by the Central Act, whereas the cooperatives having the area of operation within the state are governed by the cooperative societies Act of the respective states. (( https://coops4dev.coop/en/4devasia/india )) Thus, to put simply, there are two different sets of legislations which establish the legal framework of cooperatives in India. They are:
 +  - Central Act: Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002
 +  - State laws for each of the 29 states. Example: Maharashtra has enacted ‘The Maharashtra Co-Operative Societies Act I960’
 +
 +For state cooperatives, a Cooperation Commissioner and the Registrar of Societies serves as the governing office of cooperatives, whereas for Multi-state cooperative societies  (MSCS), the Central Registrar of Societies is the controlling authority. However, in most cases on the ground the state registrar takes action on his behalf. (( https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-a-cooperation-ministry-7395784/ ))
 +
 +<callout type="default" icon="true">
 +Notably, India doesn’t have sector specific law for cooperatives.. This means that all types of cooperatives including agriculture, consumer credit, etc. are governed by a single law.  (( https://coops4dev.coop/en/4devasia/india )) </callout>
 +
 +In the most recent development around cooperatives in India, the ruling dispensation led by Narendra Modi has announced the creation of a separate ‘ Ministry of Cooperation’ for realizing the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” i.e. prosperity through cooperation. (( https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1733225 )) According to the press release, this ministry will provide a separate administrative, legal and policy framework for strengthening the cooperative movement in the country,  and streamline processes for ‘Ease of doing business’ for co-operatives and enable development of Multi-State Co-operatives (MSCS)(( https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1733225 )) 
 +
 +<callout type="danger" icon="true"> UL and UL(VNO) can be applied by Indian companies except for Access Service Cat B authorisation under UL(VNO) which can be applied for by Indian  companies, partnership firm, proprietorship firm, Shops and establishment and legal person. (( [[https://saralsanchar.gov.in/circular/licenses_issued/UL_FAQ.pdf | See (3) UL FAQ]] )) Thus, in the current unified telecom licensing regime in India, only a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 can apply for an ISP- A, ISP-B, or ISP-C authorization. 
 +</callout>
  
 ===== Resources / References ===== ===== Resources / References =====
 +| [TWITTER:USER:TRAI:4]  | [TWITTER:USER:dot_India:4]  |
  
 == Coding examples == == Coding examples ==
Line 318: Line 431:
  
 ---- struct data ---- ---- struct data ----
 +countryprofile.regName : Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
 +countryprofile.regAcronym : TRAI
 +countryprofile.regUrl : https://trai.gov.in/
 +countryprofile.regTwitter : https://twitter.com/TRAI
 +countryprofile.regEmail : ap@trai.gov.in
 +countryprofile.minName : Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications
 +countryprofile.minAcronym : DoT
 +countryprofile.minUrl : http://dot.gov.in/
 +countryprofile.minTwitter : https://twitter.com/dot_India
 +countryprofile.minEmail : mosc-office@gov.in
 ---- ----