Centre raises minimal obtain pace of broadband connectivity to 2 Mbps

The Centre has modified the definition of broadband connectivity by elevating the minimal obtain pace to 2 Mbps (megabits per second). The minimal obtain pace was beforehand 512 kbps (kilobits per second), as per the notification in July 2013.

“In supersession of the definition of broadband issued vide notification dated July 18, 2013 and after consideration of the recommendation of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the Central Government hereby revise the definition of broadband as follows…,” the notification dated January 25 learn.

The gazette notification, which got here into pressure with instant impact, outlined broadband as an information connection that allows interactive communication by way of the web, with a “capability of the minimum download speed of 2 Mbps to an individual subscriber from the point of presence (POP) of the service provider intending to provide broadband service”.

Out of 825.4 million broadband subscribers in India, 793.5 million had been wi-fi customers, and the remaining had been wireline, as per November 30, 2022 knowledge.

Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd with 430.18 million broadband subscribers tops India’s record of the most important service suppliers. The high 5 take up the bulk chunk of 98.4% market share, knowledge from November final yr exhibits. Bharti Airtel got here second with 230.56 million subscribers. Vodafone Idea clocked 123.48 million subscribers, BSNL had 25.85 million, whereas Atria Convergence had simply over 2 million.

Broadband India Forum President, TV Ramachandran stated that the revision of the minimal pace will profit broadband customers in rural and semi city areas significantly. Although entry to broadband wants much more progress when in comparison with the general inhabitants, he known as the latest change in definition a “step in the right direction”.

TRAI had steered in August 2021 the revision of minimal obtain pace for broadband connectivity from 512 kbps to 2 Mbps. Broadband is split into three classes relying on the obtain pace – primary, quick and tremendous quick.

Compared to eight.26 Mbps in November 2022, India registered 25.29 Mbps median cell obtain speeds in December the identical yr, in response to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. Ookla introduced on January 27 that India was now globally on the 79th place leaping from 105 in November.