Just read this on the Times of India about the Department of Telecom (DoT) reviewing its failed broadband policy.The DoT has asked the ISPs on the strategy to increase broadband penetration. I am appalled that DoT did not feel it enough to get consumers take on this, because after all the consumers are the one who will either make the strategy a success or a failure. So, since the DoT is not going to get the full picture, I thought I will help the DoT a bit by posting this.
These are my thoughts on the same:
If the DoT is really serious about increasing broadband penetration it needs to do the following:
1. Redefine the definition of broadband to reflect technological reality take a cue from either Korea and Japan and redefine broadband from the current pathetic 256 kbps to atleast 2 mbps. I mean the internet is now more bandwidth intensive than ever so there is a definite need for us to redefine what constitutes broadband. Because of lame ass ISPs purporting any always on connection as broadband, people do not see the value in broadband.
2. Allow last mile access to all ISPs regardless of whether they own the last mile or not which is currently owned majorly by BSNL and MTNL.
3. Reduce broadband tariffs, encourage ISPs to provide high speed unlimited hours + data usage at reasonable prices.
4. Improve the way consumer complaints are handled. Mainly there are many ISPs who promise 256 kbps and provide much less speeds and provide pathetic service throughout India, namely Sify Broadband which has pissed many customers.
5.Have a ISP rating service that is based on customer reviews, and provide the higher rated ISPs with cheaper bandwidth access or such financial incentive which will make the ISPs want to provide better service and respond better to customer complaints.
6. Be technologically forward looking and frame the policy with higher concentration towards consumers interest.
Broadband will then be ubiquitous. I do not know why the DoT has not worked this out on its own, just shows how the DoT is certainly not in touch with what is really needed for the consumers to start adopting broadband more and more.
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