A policy window for those interested in better broadband policy in India?


Posted on August 20, 2014  /  1 Comments

Usually one has only the time stipulated in the consultation paper to prepare a response. In this case, the Chair is giving extra time to intervenors to get organized.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) chair Rahul Khullar on Wednesday said the authority would come out with a consultation paper on broadband next month.

The objective of the broadband consultation paper would be to revisit the broadband target identifying right broadband technologies, involving private and public participation, and achieving new milestone in a cost-effective way.

Speaking at an ASSOCHAM event today TRAI chairman said India needs new policies in place to achieve the goal set by the new government.

The focus of the new broadband policy will also be to identify de-licensing of some of the spectrum suitable for broadband connectivity. The new consultation paper on broadband will also focus on release of 700MHz spectrum for rolling out 4G/LTE services.

Report.

1 Comment


  1. The TRAI Chairman has also said that for faster roll out of broadband network in India, it would be a better option to go with wireless rather than fibre optic connectivity. This would not only be faster in terms of project implementation, but also be cost effective. If this is the approach adopted then the key question is of speed. What minimum speed are we targeting for broadband connections? As per current definition by TRAI, it is 512kbps, which is low compared to international standards. This and several other issues need to be discussed including the participation of private players in broadband network roll out. The consultation paper is coming at an opportune time. Looking forward to engage in the process.