DoT Launches Recognition Scheme for Rural Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Providers

• 13 Sep 2023

Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched a scheme aimed at fostering digital inclusion and socio-economic development in rural India by acknowledging Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for their outstanding efforts in expanding Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband connections in rural regions.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

• Recognition Criteria: DoT will identify nine ISPs under this scheme, with three falling into each of the categories A, B, and C, based on their contribution to rural FTTH connection net additions in a given year.
• Recognition Benefits: Recognized ISPs will receive a certificate, and their names will be prominently displayed on the DoT website.
• This recognition will be awarded annually, covering net additions from April to March, with the first recognition period spanning from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
• Minimum Net Addition Requirements: To qualify for recognition in each category, ISPs must meet the following minimum net addition criteria:
  • Category A: ISPs in this category should achieve a minimum of 50,000 net additions in rural FTTH connections.
  • Category B: ISPs in this category are required to achieve a minimum of 10,000 net additions in rural FTTH connections.
  • Category C: ISPs in this category must achieve a minimum of 2,000 net additions in rural FTTH connections.