Some hits ...and some misses too

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

When dial-up access to the Internet is so dismal for retail customers across
the country, evolving a broadband policy proposal may appear rather
incongruous. But that is precisely what the Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India (TRAI) did late last month by unveiling its recommendations on
"Accelerating growth of Internet and Broadband penetration." The problem of
dissatisfaction among dial-up Internet users is being addressed separately
by TRAI. And at the same time, the regulator has done the right thing by not
allowing that to interfere with its recent recommendations for enhancing
broadband (in the form of entertainment-related options such as video on
demand, apart from high-speed Internet) penetration. The positive effect of
broadband in enhancing GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth, as the South
Korean success story has demonstrated, is a single-point agenda favouring
its growth. With prudent government support, Korea was able to increase
broadband penetration from one Internet user per 100 citizens in 1995 to 25
per 100 in 1999.

Source:
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ew/2004/05/17/stories/2004051700070100.h
tm