Need for increased penetration of broadband

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

The Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Dayanidhi
Maran has underlined the need for providing increased broadband and internet
connectivity so as to provide various interactive services to the consumers
at much faster speed and at affordable price levels. Maran said that
availability of broadband services at affordable price levels will have
significant impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), attract new investment,
create job opportunities, access to new and improved services and increase
productivity through infrastructure creation. In its recommendations, the
TRAI has expected that India can achieve 20 million broadband and 40 million
internet subscribers by 2010 which would translate into penetration level of
1.7 percent and 3.4 percent respectively. Other recommendations of the TRAI
include: Unbundling Local Loop through shared or bit stream access,
encouraging broadband through cable, DTH and V-SAT platform, simplifying the
Right of Way, reduction in duties for imported items used in broadband,
service tax exemption for ISPs, web hosting services and creation of
appropriate content and applications.

Source:
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=1842