Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under Department of Telecommunications signed a tripartite MoU with Prasar Bharati and Open Network for Digital Commerce to proliferate affordable and accessible digital services across the country. The objective of this MoU is to bundle broadband services with OTT and e-commerce platform for the rural India. Communication Ministry said, the Prime Minister’s vision and unwavering commitment to foster a conducive environment for digital innovation underpins this truly unique collaboration synergizing connectivity, content and commerce to empower the rural India. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), Niraj Verma, Administrator, USOF and A K Jha, ADG, Platforms, Prasar Bharati.

The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been instrumental in enabling highspeed broadband and mobile connections across Gram Panchayats and villages in the country. This MoU will enable the bundled Prasar Bharati OTT as a service, including linear channels, Live TV and on-demand content, be available to the end consumers. The Ministry said, USOF will ensure efficient and high-speed broadband services in rural and remote areas. The national public service broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, with an unparallel legacy content, consumer reach and brand recall, will source and produce content that will run on its OTT platform.