The policy and regulatory framework governing telecommunications in India comprises various acts, guidelines, rules, etc.

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> List of primary statutes which regulates telecommunications sector in India:

1. The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
2. The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
3. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997
4. Telecom Policies formulated by the Government from time to time. Example:
   • National Broadband Policy, 2004
   • National Telecom Policy, 2012
   • National Digital Communications Policy, 2018

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The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 is the primary legislation underlying the regulatory framework for telecommunications in India. It prescribes various powers of the government to operate and regulate telecommunication services in India. ¹⁾ The main objective of the Telegraph Act, when enacted in 1885, was to give power to the Government to install telegraph lines on private as well as public property. ²⁾ Since then, this act has undergone multiple amendments to accommodate new technologies in communication.

<callout type=“default” icon=“true”> Definition of Telegraph according to the Telegraph Act : “telegraph” means any appliance, instrument, material or apparatus used or capable of use for transmission or reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, visual or other electro-magnetic emissions, Radio waves or Hertzian waves, galvanic, electric or magnetic means. </callout> The Telegraph Act gives the Central Government the exclusive privilege in respect of telegraphs and the power to grant licenses. ³⁾ At present, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications grants licenses and approvals to telecom service providers (TSPs) in India.

The main objective of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 is to regulate the possession of wireless telegraphy apparatus. This Act prohibits the possession of wireless telegraphy apparatus, unless a license has been given in that regard by the telegraph authority constituted under the telegraph act. ⁴⁾ At present, DoT issues the license to possess wireless telegraphy apparatus.

With the liberalisation of the telecom sector and entry of private players in the 90s, the need for independent regulation became inevitable. Thus, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established w.e.f. 20th February 1997 by an Act of Parliament, called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government. ⁵⁾The TRAI Act also provides for a Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to adjudicate any dispute between licensors (i.e. DoT) and licensee, between two service providers, and between service providers and a group of consumers .⁶⁾

Telecommunication services play an important role in socio-economic development, and thus the DoT also formulates developmental policies for the accelerated growth of the telecommunication services in India, apart from the grant of licenses . ⁷⁾

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> DoT has been coming up with telecommunications policy statements at a regular interval. List of Telecom Policies (in chronological order):

1. National Telecommunications Policy, 1994
2. New Telecom Policy, 1999
3. Broadband Policy, 2004
4. National Telecom Policy, 2012
5. National Digital Communications Policy, 2018

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The most recent telecom policy is National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP), 2018 . Unveiled by the Government in 2018, the Policy attempts to outline a set of goals, initiatives, strategies and intended policy outcomes. The Policy aims to accomplish the following Strategic Objectives by 2022: ⁸⁾

• Provisioning of Broadband for All
• Creating 4 Million additional jobs in the Digital Communications sector
• Enhancing the contribution of the Digital Communications sector to 8% of India’s GDP from 6% in 2017
• Propelling India to the Top 50 Nations in the ICT Development Index of ITU from 134 in 2017
• Enhancing India’s contribution to Global Value Chains
• Ensuring Digital Sovereignty

It is also important to re-look at the statutes discussed above with regard to explicit provisions for connectivity in rural and remote areas, community networks, etc.

To begin with, the mission of DoT as listed on its website has a special emphasis to connectivity in rural areas: ⁹⁾

<callout type=“success” icon=“true”> DoT’s Mission: To develop a robust and secure state-of-the-art telecommunication network providing seamless coverage with special focus on rural and remote areas for bridging the digital divide and thereby facilitate socio- economic development </callout>

The NDCP 2018 mentions specific initiatives for broadband connectivity in rural areas. Although the term “Community Networks” does not explicitly appear in the NDCP document, the term “Public Wi-Fi” finds a mention. One of the goals of the “Connect India” Mission in NDCP 2018 is to “enable deployment of public Wi-Fi Hotspots; to reach 5 million by 2020 and 10 million by 2022” ¹⁰⁾ NDCP mentions the promotion of Open Public Wi-Fi Access through W-Fi/ Public Data Office Aggregators and Public Data Offices as a strategy to catalyze investments in the Digital Communications Sector. ¹¹⁾ Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) initiative of DoT was launched in 2020 to take forward the NDCP’s goal of creating a robust digital communication infrastructure through deployment of Public Wi-Fi Hotspot. ¹²⁾

NDCP 2018 also strives to ensure inclusion of uncovered areas and digitally deprived segments of society by channelizing the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and by reviewing the scope and modalities of USOF. ¹³⁾

With regard to rights of indigenous people over the use of natural resources such as spectrum, the NDCP 2018 doesn’t mention this explicitly; though it recognizes spectrum as a key natural resource for public benefit. ¹⁴⁾

In the mission of “Connect India”, NDCP provides for the establishment of the National Broadband Mission (NBM) as a strategy. In the NBM various initiatives have been suggested to increase connectivity in rural and remote areas. Under the Bharat Net initiative (a flagship project of the Government of India which aims to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats across India with Optical Fibre Cables), NDCP targets provision of 1 Gbps (upgradeable to 10 Gbps) to every gram panchayat. The GramNet initiative aims to connect all rural development institutions with 10 Mbps (upgradeable to 100 Mbps). To increase last-mile connectivity, Jan Wi-Fi initiative aims to establish 2 Million Wi-Fi Hotspots. ¹⁵⁾

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Apart from the large programs, some smaller initiatives have also been taken by the Government to connect the unconnected. Examples of such initiatives include:

• The Department of Telecom executed a project for providing Mobile Services in 2199 locations in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, which are affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). ¹⁶⁾
• The Comprehensive Telecom Development Program for the North East region aimed to connect 8261 villages through installation of 6000 mobile tower sites.¹⁷⁾

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The operator licensing framework in India dates back to The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Section 4 of the Telegraph Act gives the Central Government the power to grant license to any person to establish, maintain or work a telegraph within any part of India. ¹⁸⁾

Although the provision for licensing was always present in the Telegraph Act, the Government had complete monopoly in telecommunications until the early 1990s. It was only in 1992 that the government first allowed licensing in the telecom sector. Listed below in the table are the major landmarks in the history of telecom licensing in India.

Table: Major Landmarks in the History of Telecom Licensing in India ¹⁹⁾

<callout type=“success” icon=“true”> NTP 2012 listed down as one of its objectives to simplify the licensing framework to further extend converged high quality services across the nation including rural and remote areas. </callout>

Telecom licensing in India underwent a major transformation with the implementation of the “Unified License (UL)” regime in 2013. This regime was implemented to achieve one of the objectives envisaged in NTP 2012: One Nation - One License across services and service areas. ²⁰⁾

In NTP 2012, it was recognized that the evolution from analog to digital technology has facilitated the conversion of voice, data and video to the digital form, and these are now increasingly being rendered through single networks bringing about a convergence in networks, services and also devices. ²¹⁾

<callout type=“default” icon=“true”> The preamble of NTP 2012 states: “it is now imperative to move towards convergence between various services, networks, platforms, technologies and overcome the existing segregation of licensing, registration and regulatory mechanisms in these areas to enhance affordability, increase access, delivery of multiple services and reduce cost. ²²⁾ </callout>

The UL regime replaced the earlier regime in which there were separate licenses for different telecommunication services. In this regime, telco players can offer all telecommunication services under one license; service authorisation for different telecom services will have to be done separately under UL, however.

Listed below are the basic features of Unified Licenses ²³⁾ :

1. The allocation of spectrum is delinked from the licenses and has to be obtained separately as per prescribed procedure. At present, spectrum in 800/900/1800/2100/2300/2500 MHz band is allocated through bidding process. For all other services and usages like Public Mobile Radio Trunking Service (PMRTS), the allocation of spectrum and charges thereof shall be as prescribed by Wireless and Planning and Coordination wing of Department of Telecommunications from time to time.
2. Authorisation under Unified License comprises for any one or more services listed below:
   1. Unified License (All Services)*
   2. Access Service (Service Area-wise)
   3. Internet Service (Category-A with All India jurisdiction)
   4. Internet Service (Category-B with jurisdiction in a Service Area)
   5. Internet Service (Category-C with jurisdiction in a Secondary Switching Area)
   6. National Long Distance (NLD) Service
   7. International Long Distance (ILD) Service
   8. Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) Service
   9. Public Mobile Radio Trunking Service (PMRTS) Service
   10. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Closed User Group (CUG) Service
   11. INSAT MSS-Reporting (MSS-R) Service
   12. Resale of International private Leased Circuit (IPLC) Service

(* Authorization for All Services UL covers all services listed in 2(b) in all service areas, 2©, 2(f) to 2(l) above )

While introducing the UL regime, DoT decided to implement it in two phases. In the first phase, spectrum was delinked from license. In the second phase, the concept of “Virtual Network Operators (VNO)” was introduced to facilitate delinking of licensing of networks from the delivery of services. ²⁴⁾ VNO allows Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to utilize their networks and spectrum in an efficient manner by sharing active and passive infrastructure, and also facilitates resale at service level.

UL (VNO) is a regime parallel to UL. It offers all authorisations as available in the UL. In addition, it offers an authorisation for the ‘Access Services Category B’ wherein the service area is a District of a State/Union Territory. ²⁵⁾

Listed below are the basic features of UL (VNO):

1. VNOs are treated as extension of Network Service Operators (NSOs) or TSPs. They will not be allowed to install equipment interconnecting with network of other NSOs.
2. Applicant can apply for UL (VNO) along with VNO authorisation for any one or more services below:
   • Unified License VNO (All Services)
   • Access Services Category B* (This is additional in case of UL (VNO), Other authorization categories are same as UL, thus not listed here)

<callout type=“success” icon=“true”> Licensing framework for internet services allows three options (options= authorization options available under UL/ UL(VNO) regime): Category-“A” (All India/ National), Category-“B” ( Telecom Circle/ Licensed Service Area), Category- “C”. Thus, there is flexibility of area of operations through three different authorizations ( Secondary switching Area) </callout>

<callout type=“question” icon=“true”> Is centralised procedure for granting ISP licenses suitable for local level entrepreneurs, or does it require decentralisation at the Licensed Service Area (LSA) level? ²⁶⁾

</callout>

UL and UL(VNO) can be applied by Indian companies except for Access Service Category B authorisation under UL(VNO) which can be applied for by Indian companies, partnership firms, proprietorship firms, Shops and establishment and legal persons. One company can have only one UL/ UL(VNO). However, the applicant company/applicant can apply for authorisation for more than one service and service area subject to fulfillment of all the conditions of entry.

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> Some important resources for UL and UL (VNO)

• DoT’s Guidelines for Grant of Unified License
• DoT’s Guidelines for Grant of Unified License (Virtual Network Operators)
• List of documents required for grant of UL/ authorization for additional services under UL can be found here: See (3) in UL FAQ.

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According to DoT’s Guidelines for Grant of Unified License , a licensee has to pay a one-time non-refundable Entry Fee of each service and service area before license agreement is signed. The licensee will need to pay the fees for each subsequent authorisation. In addition to entry fees, the licensee has to pay an Annual License Fees for each authorized service separately. ²⁷⁾ The license fee is calculated as a percentage of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). At present, the license fee is 8 percent of the AGR: It is inclusive of Universal Service Obligation Levy which is 5 percent of the AGR. ²⁸⁾

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 ²⁹⁾

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

Created in 1952, Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) of the Ministry of Communications serves as the National Radio Regulatory Authority of India. It is responsible for frequency spectrum management in India. ³⁰⁾ There are different divisions/ departments which have been assigned distinct functions under the WPC Wing: Licensing and Regulation (LR), New Technology Group (NTG) and Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA). Of the three listed divisions, SACFA is responsible for making recommendations on major frequency allocation issues, formulation of the frequency action plan, making recommendations related to ITU, etc.³¹⁾

National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) 2018 recognizes spectrum as a key natural resource for public benefit to achieve India’s socio economic goals; it strives to ensure transparency in allocation and optimise availability and utilisation of spectrum. ³²⁾ Accordingly, a National Frequency Action Plan (NFAP) 2018 has been formulated which aims to provide a roadmap for the availability and allocation of wireless spectrum to facilitate the development and deployment of next generation wireless services in the country. ³³⁾

Providing a broad regulatory framework, NFAP 2018 identifies which frequency bands are available for different radiocommunication services including cellular mobile service, Wi-fi, sound and television broadcasting, radionavigation for aircrafts and ships, defence and security communications, disaster relief and emergency communications, satellite communications and satellite-broadcasting, and amateur service. ³⁴⁾ Simply put, allocation of radio-frequency spectrum to different radiocommunication services is the central theme of NFAP 2018. ³⁵⁾ Notably, NFAP-18 doesn’t attempt to list the various applications (uses) of the individual radiocommunication services that are currently authorised or may be authorised in future in India, thus providing a stable yet flexible regulatory framework. ³⁶⁾

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> The latest frequency allocation table of India can be found in National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAP) 2018. Follow link. </callout>

The year 2010 represented a watershed in spectrum management policies in India. ³⁷⁾ Pre-2010, spectrum was administratively allocated and was linked to granting of license by DoT. ³⁸⁾ The first auction for spectrum was held in the year 2010: spectrum in the 2100 MHz band (3G) and 2300 MHz (BWA) was assigned through an online auction. Subsequently, in its February 2012 judgement, Supreme Court (SC) of India quashed spectrum allocation done based on advertisement released in 2008, and ruled that all natural resources , including spectrum should be granted through a market- related process only, such as auction. ³⁹⁾ As contemplated in National Telecom Policy (NTP) , 2012 the UL regime delinked spectrum from license. ⁴⁰⁾.

From 2012 to 2016, DoT conducted multiple rounds of spectrum auctions through Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) method. The outcome of each round is summarised in below table:

Table: Outcome of Spectrum Auctions from 2010- 16 ⁴¹⁾

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> Spectrum Holding of TSPs as on 25.02.21 can be found here. Spectrum holding data sheet in this article represents the current spectrum holdings across all 22 telecom circles along with their liberalisation status and expiry dates. </callout>

While Section 3 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act prohibits possession of wireless telegraph apparatus unless a license has been issued in that regard, Section 4 of the said Act also provides Central Government the power to exempt persons from certain provisions of this act.

As discussed earlier, NFAP provides a broad regulatory framework and identifies which frequency bands are available for different radiocommunication services. NFAP 2018, which is the most recent NFAP of India, provides for certain license exempt bands as well which have been approved by the Central Government through various rules and notifications.

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> The complete list of wireless equipments exempted from licensing can be found in Annex of NFAP 2018 </callout>

Different telecom policies brought out by the government have also stressed on the need for expanding share of license-exempt bands. Broadband Policy 2004, in order to accelerate growth of broadband and internet initiated the process of delicensing 2.40-2.48 GHz, 2.40- 2.4835 GHz, 5.15-5.35 GHz, 5.25-5.35 GHz, 5.15-5.25 GHz. It also talked about exploring and identifying alternative spectrum bands which are not in high usage and could be deployed for Broadband Services. ⁴²⁾

NTP 2012 lists de-licensing additional frequency bands for public use as one of the objectives. ⁴³⁾ NDCP 2018 recognizes spectrum as a key natural resource for public benefit and lists enabling light touch licensing/ de-licensing of spectrum for broadband proliferations as a strategy. ⁴⁴⁾

Table: Wireless Equipments exempted from Licensing

Amongst the telecom policies brought out by the Central Government, only NTP 2012 explicitly mentions White Spaces in management of spectrum. One of the strategies listed in NTP 2012 is to promote use of white spaces with low power devices, without causing harmful interference to the licensed applications in specific frequency bands by deployment of Software Defined Radios (SDRs), Cognitive Radios (CRs), etc. ⁴⁵⁾

<callout type=“default” icon=“true”> “It is observed that unlike developed countries, a major portion of the TV band spectrum is unutilized in India. The results show that even while using conservative parameters, in at least 56.27% areas in the country, all the 15 channels (100% of the TV band spectrum) are free!” ⁴⁶⁾ </callout> It is often argued that unused bands in TV UHF (TV White Spaces) can help to boost broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas, if deployed effectively. ⁴⁷⁾ TVWS offers unique advantages such as non- line of sight propagation and ease of deployment ⁴⁸⁾ TVWS spectrum can be used for rural connectivity in multiple ways: as an affordable backhaul option to connect Wi-Fi clusters eventually terminating into urban-sub-urban or village gram panchayat NOFN nodes; as an alternative to optical fibre in the regions with difficult terrain; or as backhaul to unlicensed Wi-Fi operations in villages or panchayats. ^{49) 50)}

However, despite the advantages which TVWS offers, it hasn’t seen any widespread deployment yet. This is partially because of the lack of regulation surrounding usage of TVWS in India. India lies in Region 3 of International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Radio Regulations. According to this regulation fixed, mobile, and broadcasting services in TV UHF Band (470- 585 MHz) are permitted in India. ⁵¹⁾ As per Remark IND 16 in NFAP 2018, “part of the band 470-698 MHz would be made available for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) once the current and future usage of the band 470-698 MHz by the broadcasting service is finalized.” The Government has also assigned this spectrum band in some cases, but it is solely for the purpose of carrying out experiments in TVWS technology. For example, eight licenses were issued by DoT in March 2016 to ERNET (an autonomous body under the Telecom Ministry), power equipment maker BHEL, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Bangalore, Tata Advanced Systems and Amrawati District Administration for the purpose of carrying out experiments in TVWS technology. ⁵²⁾ However, on the question of allocating 470-582 MHz spectrum band for commercial deployment of TVWS technology, DoT is of the view that this spectrum band will not be de-licensed and will be rather auctioned when the ecosystem is developed for this band. ⁵³⁾

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”>

Some of the projects in India are using TVWS to provide rural broadband connectivity.

• After being granted an experimental license to conduct experiments in the TV UHF band, the TV White Space group, IIT Bombay was the first in India to set up a pilot test-bed using TVWS technology for rural broadband access. ⁵⁴⁾ To scale this up, ‘Gram Marg’ , a rural broadband initiative was started by the Department of Electrical Engineering which uses a combination of TVWS and wireless solutions including those in 5.8 GHz point to point WiFi. ⁵⁵⁾. To know more about Gram Marg initiative, see this .
• In 2015, Microsoft conducted pilots in Harisal village in Maharashtra, Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, and Varanasi under its White-Fi initiative which uses TVWS. However, in 2017 Microsoft had to put this project on hold as it was not granted the license to continue operating the pilot project in Harisal. ⁵⁶⁾

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Central Government prescribes the spectrum usage charges for Telecom Service Providers having License/ Authorization to provide Access Services in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act 1885. In the present scenario, companies pay spectrum usage charges (SUC) somewhere in between 3-5 percent of Adjusted Gross Revenue. ⁵⁷⁾ In the case where an operator shares spectrum with another operator, they have to pay an additional 0.5 per cent of AGR for that band as SUC. ⁵⁸⁾

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> Links for different type of applications for wireless spectrum:

• Application for a licence to possess Wireless Receiving and or Transmitting Apparatus in India
• Application Form to Operate Wireless Link/ Network under Indian Telegraph Act 1885
• Application for an Experimental Wireless License
• Application for License to establish, maintain, and work Radio Paging Systems
• Application Form for Licence to Establish, Maintain And Operate Wireless Telegraph Stations In India For Short Range Uhf Handheld Radios
• Application Form for a licence to Demonstrate a Wireless Transmitter or a Receiver set

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‘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 ⁵⁹⁾ BharatNet project aims to provide connectivity for ‘middle-mile’ : laying of incremental fibre from Block HQs to Gram Panchayats to fill the connectivity gap.

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The Bharat Net fibre can be utilized by service providers in two ways: ⁶⁰⁾

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.
2. 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.

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<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 here.
• The detailed procedure for Bharat Net connectivity can be found here: Requirements, * Application Form for Bandwidth on Bharat Net , Application form for taking on Lease Dark Fibre on Incremental Cable of Bharatnet, Payment Procedure, etc.
• Block-wise Line Diagram for Bharat Net and BBNL Dark Fibre, Lat-Long of GPs, FPOIs and OLTs for GPs under BharatNet Phase-I

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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. ⁶¹⁾ 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. ⁶²⁾ With the aim to establish a National Digital Grid, NDCP 2018 mentions facilitating development of Open Access Next Generation Network as a sub-strategy. ⁶³⁾ In the said notification, active sharing was limited to antenna, feeder cable, Node B, Radio Access network (RAN) and transmission systems. ⁶⁴⁾ 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 ⁶⁵⁾ : Sharing of infrastructure related to Wi-Fi equipment such as Wi-Fi router, Access point etc. allowed. Sharing of backhaul also permitted. ⁶⁶⁾

With regard to internet exchange points (IXPs), the following table provides the list of IXPs operating in India.

Table: Internet Exchange Points in India ⁶⁷⁾

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. ⁶⁸⁾

India has a stark gender divide when it comes to accessing the internet. According to 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. ⁶⁹⁾ 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. ⁷⁰⁾ NPW 2016 strives to encourage women’s participation in new and upcoming industries such as information based industries, telecommunications, etc. ⁷¹⁾ NPW strategizes to collect gender-based data through mobile phones in order to inform policy prescriptions. ⁷²⁾ In order to encourage girl students/ women to enter into areas of ICT, NPW envisions institutionalization of enabling mechanisms. ⁷³⁾

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”> Resources for understanding policy environment around gender in India:

1. Policies related to gender and women can be found here
2. All gender related legislations of India can be accessed from here
3. Guidelines with regard to gender, and women in particular can be found here

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The 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. ⁷⁴⁾ However, a more concrete and clearer framework for Universal Service was seen in the New Telecommunication Policy (NTP), 1999 : NTP 1999 had a section dedicated to the Universal Service Obligations (USO) . ⁷⁵⁾

<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 ⁷⁶⁾ </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). ⁷⁷⁾. 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. ⁷⁸⁾ At present, USO Levy is 5 percent of the AGR. ⁷⁹⁾

To further the objective enshrined in NTP 1999, DoT issued the guidelines for ‘Universal Service Support Policy’ in 2002 ⁸⁰⁾, 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. ⁸¹⁾

<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. ⁸²⁾ Accordingly, Indian Telegraph Rules 1951 was amended to insert a section on NOFN. ⁸³⁾

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 ⁸⁴⁾

<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. ⁸⁵⁾ </callout>

This could be used to frame specific questions that should be asked

<callout type=“tip” icon=“true”>This could be for hints / tips / tricks on finding information, what to look for etc.</callout> <callout type=“question” icon=“true”>A question</callout> <callout type=“success” icon=“true”>A good practice example might look like this</callout> <callout type=“danger” icon=“true”>A bad practice to be aware of might look like this</callout>