The Telecom Technology Development Fund programme was just introduced by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) aims to finance research and development (R&D) in applications of communication technology that are specifically for rural areas and to create synergies between academia, start-ups, research institutes, and the industry to create and develop the telecom ecosystem.

The Scheme also seeks to encourage indigenous manufacturing and technology ownership, foster a culture of technological collaboration, lower imports, increase export opportunities, and foster the development of intellectual property.

As part of the plan, USOF aims to create an ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, use cases, pilots, and proof of concept testing, among other things, as well as standards to meet national criteria.