C-DOT and IIT-K signed an Agreement for Developing Prototypes

C-DOT has signed an agreement with Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-K) for the purpose of developing prototypes for a 10-gigabit-capable symmetric Passive Optical Network (XGS-PON) Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Unit (ONU).

About the agreement

• The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India has signed an agreement to provide funding support to domestic companies and institutions that are involved in the technology design, development and commercialization of telecommunications products and solutions. 
• This is aimed at enabling affordable broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas. 
• As part of this initiative, IIT Kharagpur will be developing prototypes for 10-Gigabit-capable symmetric passive optical network (XGS-PON) optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network unit (ONU). 
• The project aims to create a state-of-the-art 10 Gbps upstream and downstream access network technology solution. It is expected that this will lead to the development and commercialization of new designs, leading to growth in affordable broadband and mobile services in India.

About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

• The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which operates under the Department of Telecommunications, has officially launched the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme on October 1st, 2022. 
• This scheme is in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's goal of including Jan Anusandhaan in the new phase of Amrit Kaal. 
• The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) aims to finance research and development in rural-specific communication technology applications and to foster collaboration among academia, startups, research institutes and the industry to build and develop the telecom ecosystem. 
• The scheme provides grants to Indian entities to encourage and incorporate indigenous technologies tailored to meet local needs.

About C-DOT

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is a technology development center owned by the Indian Government that specializes in telecommunications. 
• It was established in 1984 with the primary objective of designing and developing digital exchanges. 
• Since then, C-DOT has expanded its scope to include the development of intelligent computer software applications. 
• The organization has offices located in Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata. Notably, C-DOT is one of the few government organizations in India that has been appraised at Maturity Level 5 of CMMI-DEV v1.3.