Net penetration curbed by costs

[icernet-admin at listserv.cddc.vt.edu]

Internet penetration in India has been restricted due to the high linkage
costs and low data transfer rates. Speaking at the Telecomm India 2003
seminar, Dr Ashok Jhunjhunwala, professor, Indian Institute of Technology,
Chennai said, “Internet based education and internet based entertainment
has not made any significant impact in India.”

With approximately 45 million people using the internet through the dial-up
or fixed lines across the country, the average speed for a user is around
10 kbps on 33.6 kbps modem at a cost of Rs 35 per hour, while through a
dedicated always on connection, a user can have an access speed up to 100
kbps at Rs 500 per month. Most of the internet connections in India were
through dial up networking, said Jhunjhunwala.

Source:
http://www.business-standard.com/today/story.asp?Menu=2&story=27425