TRAI has issued draft recommendations on broadband. The regulator has recommended subsidising these services using finances from the USO Fund in order to increase broadband penetration using satellites in remote and hilly areas. To increase competition amongst companies providing broadband services in rural areas, the regulator has recommended that at least two service providers seeking minimum subsidy should be identified. Moreover, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) should be encouraged to appoint franchisees for providing broadband services to supplement their own efforts.
