Delivering Broadband Quickly

Alarmed with just 15 per cent internet penetration in India and ranked at 142nd, way below some of its neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Sri Lanka, Trai has submitted its recommendations to the department of telecommunications on how to deliver broadband quickly (see box pg 18 to pg 24).

Though the current recommendations seem to be a compilation of many of its earlier recommendations using the latest data, but in our assessment, the key to quick spread of broadband is the government permissions in the states – like the right of way (RoW) for laying cables, erection of towers, both at reasonable costs, together with timely electricity connections.

Trai has also asked for single window clearance for RoW, establishing of ducts, permissions to use electric poles, change in building by-laws making it mandatory for the builders to make provisions of space for erection of equipment, etc.