Re-defining Broadband?

The new TRAI Chairman, Dr J. S. Sarma, has been quoted as saying that "the target set for roll out of broadband by the Government can be achieved only if the definition of broadband is redefined and resources from USO fund are utilised." As per these reports, the minimum broadband speed will be increased to 2 Mbps instead of the current 256 Kpbs limit.

It's debatable whether re-defining broadband service characteristics can increase penetration. If the TRAI and DoT are really serious about achieving government targets, then a better idea would be to expedite spectrum auctions for 3G and BWA services. Both HSPA and WiMAX are very much capable for providing wireless broadband access to a large part of the country, especially where it's difficult to provide DSL and cable.

I have the feeling that we are going back in time as far as wireless technologies are concerned. Just like the CDMA vs GSM war a few years back, the government is again getting caught up in the war between HSPA/LTE and WiMAX proponents. What really matters is that India gets access to broadband services just like everyone else does in other countries. What technology/technologies are used to do so should be left to the market.