1. Regulatory initiatives to promote universal access to Broadband Arvind Kumar Joint Advisor, TRAI, India Rapporteur for ITU-D Study Group 6-2/1 - Indian perspective

2. Focus points Background and present status in India Current means of broadband Why universal access of broadband ? Government initiatives Recent recommendations of TRAI The way forward

3. Background and present status 1995 : Internet services began by Govt owned company 1998 : Internet services opened for private sector participation 2000: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were allowed to set International Gateways-submarine and Satellite

4. Background and present status 2002:International Long distance services opened for private sectors 2002 : Internet telephony allowed to ISPs (in a restricted manner) 2004 : Broadband policy announced 2007: Declared year of Broadband

5. Background and Present status Internet Service Providers (ISP) ISP License holders370+ Operational ISPs130+ Broadband Service Providers 72 Operational Internet Telephony Service Providers 32

6. Background and present status SubscribersAs on Dec. 2004 As on March 2005 As on March 2006 As on March 2007 As on March 2008 Internet5.45 million5.55 million6.94 million9.27 million11.09 million Broadband0.04 million0.18 million1.35 million2.33 million3.87 million Wireless Internet (through mobile handset) ---31.30 Million66.09 Million * Internet figures include 3.87 Million broadband subscribers also.

7. Background and present status Broadband Policy 2004 defined the Broadband as An `always-on data connection that is able to support interactive services including Internet access and has the capability of the minimum download speed of 256 kilo bits per second (kbps) to an individual subscriber from the Point of Presence (POP) of the service provider intending to provide Broadband service.

8. Current means of broadband access

11. Why universal access of broadband ? Communication is moving from passive to Proactive Becoming global, available anywhere, anytime Broadband Access will give everyone the opportunity to be part of a massive lifestyle change

12. Why universal access of broadband ? Rural tele-density is also increasing Rural broadband users are more interested in educational material, Agricultural material, Animal husbandry, e- health and e-governance (Computerized land records, Motor license, and information related to various welfare schemes) Therefore, availability of content with perceived utility is very important

13. Government initiatives The Government of India has recently de- licensed 50 MHz spectrum in 5.825-5.875 GHz band for WiMAX giving boost to WiMAX deployment Some of the service providers have already initiated action to provide broadband using this spectrum WIMAX spectrum issued to Internet Service providers on city basis Spectrum issued in 3.3 to 3.4 GHz range and in chunks of 6 MHz

14. Government initiatives Government of India has amended Indian Telegraph Act to extend USO Fund support for rolling out broadband services in rural areas Licence fees for rural landline services waived With USO fund assistance, 10000 towers are being established for provisioning of mobile services These towers can be effectively utilized to provide broadband services also

15. Government initiatives USO fund Administrator would evaluate and fund pilot projects for Induction of new technological developments in the telecom sector in rural and remote areas USO Fund Administrator has already initiated discussions to provide broadband in all blocks. All options to provide broadband (DSL, cable, wireless etc) are being considered Broadband coverage of all secondary and higher secondary schools, public health care centers, Village and community centre

16. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) Government should increase the target fixed for Incumbents for provision of broadband connections For this purpose Incumbent should be encouraged to appoint franchisees for providing broadband services to supplement their efforts

17. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) There should be total flexibility in developing a commercial model Close monitoring be prescribed to ensure effective utilization of the local loop Any procedural restrictions/ limitations should be addressed immediately

18. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) Certification for different Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) for interoperability All CPEs conforming to specifications for interoperability should be displayed on website for the information of customers Incumbents may declare future plans for providing broadband using DSL technology to encourage manufacturing of CPEs within country

19. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) Looking at the large coverage of cable TV networks, Cable Operators should be encouraged to provide broadband over their network In order to enable the expansion of DTH services in the country, Govt. should ensure availability of more number of Ku band transponders This would also encourage the service providers to roll out broadband through DTH platform

20. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) Uniform Right of Way (RoW) procedures across the different states Rationalise RoW cost RoW procedures should be transparent and publicly available

21. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) USO fund may be utilized to provide subsidy for provisioning of broadband services through satellite in remote and hilly areas USO fund may be utilized to subsidies backhaul charges including International Internet bandwidth initially for a period of 3 years to support the rollout efforts to provide broadband service. It may be reviewed subsequently

22. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) Public private partnership need to be encouraged to provide advantage of such facilities to rural masses by encouraging various value added applications Multiple Dwelling Units/ buildings require to be ready by internal wiring for the broadband

23. Recent TRAIs recommendations (2008) Expedite the process of allotment of Spectrum for 3G & WiMAX Internet telephony may be permitted to ISPs with permission to provide Internet telephony calls to PSTN/PLMN and vice- versa

24. The way forward There is no definite solution for the growth of broadband The broadband market is far from its peak It is thus exciting time for policy makers, service providers and consumers Broadband has the potential to revolutionize the communication landscape

25. Contact Information: Arvind kumar Email :arvindtrai@gmail.comarvindtrai@ Ph No. :+91-11-23220209 (work) +91-9810428700 (Mobile) Thanks