The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued its recommendations on ?Delivering Broadband Quickly: What do we need to do??. TRAI had issued a consultation paper regarding the same on September 29, 2014 to discuss issues hampering broadband penetration in India and to invite stakeholders? views on actions required to be undertaken by both the government and private sector to increase the proliferation of broadband in the country. The consultation paper came in light of slow penetration and adoption in the country which, as per State of the Broadband Report – 2014 by Broadband Commission, stood at 15 per cent and India being ranked 142nd globally for the same.
Under these recommendations, TRAI has stated the use of 700 MHz band be decided within three months so that auction of the spectrum can be planned accordingly. The 700 MHz band is used for delivering high speed 4G broadband services. It has also expressed concerns over the government delaying guidelines on spectrum trading and sharing, which could lead to efficient use of spectrum.
The regulator has also proposed other measures including unbundling of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited infrastructure for use by private players and adopting the Delhi Metro model for rolling out the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN). Further, in its recommendations, TRAI has stated that Bharat Broadband Network (BBNL), which takes care of the NOFN, needs to be professionally managed.
TRAI?s recommendations also include the exemption of fixed line broadband service from licence fee for at least 5 years. Meanwhile, it has also suggested a revamp of the government bodies involved in broadband related works, including converting the Wireless Planning Commission into a statutory body.
